Uber is reportedly joining the big names chasing Nokia's Here mapping service.
BMW, Audi, and Daimler's Mercedes-Benz are also in the running to acquire Nokia's technology to assist with the development of self-driving vehicles. But Uber is reportedly willing to pay up to $3 billion for the Nokia division, according to The New York Times.
Uber also has an interest in self-driving cars. In February, it teamed up with Carnegie Mellon University to create a new center in Pittsburgh, where it plans to do research and development "primarily in the areas of mapping and vehicle safety and autonomy technology." The so-called Uber Advanced Technologies Center will be located near the CMU campus.
In March, Uber acquired mapping company deCarta, which The Wall Street Journal said at the time was a "rare acquisition." According to the Times, meanwhile, the app-based car service also recently hired several engineers with experience in mapping software.
Uber and Nokia spokespeople declined to comment on the reports.
Nokia last month announced that it was exploring the possibility of selling its Here business. BMW, Audi, and Mercedes have reportedly teamed up with China's Baidu to explore taking a majority stake in the service. Talks should wrap up within weeks, the Journal said.
In the Silicon Valley-led race toward autonomous driving, the rival companies would work together to turn Here maps into "the eyes and ears" of self-driven vehicles and in-car digital services, according to reports.
Mercedes-Benz may even have a leg up, after partnering with Nokia in 2013 to develop smart maps for the autonomous cars. BMW and Audi have also made great strides on the self-driving vehicle front.
Nokia, however, is also reviewing a potential divestment for the Here business and may even decide not to sell at all.