Google agreed to modify its automotive services and maps platform to end a German antitrust investigation that could have resulted in a hefty fine, with the changes applying across Europe.

The German Federal Cartel Office said it had ended its probe into the matter in light of commitments made by the company.

"I am delighted that we have been able to reach an agreement with Google and thus achieve immediate positive effects for the economic sectors affected.

Google’s commitments have the potential to bring about far-reaching changes in the market," Federal Cartel Office president Andreas Mundt says.

The remedies are anticipated to have a wider application beyond Germany, as automakers aim to create standardized systems that can be used globally.

The office had earlier voiced worries regarding the company's in-car navigation and entertainment systems due to their bundled nature, which it argued could hinder competitors from offering similar services on an individual basis.

In December 2023, roughly six months after the regulator expressed these concerns and considered a potential ban, Google attempted to alleviate them by suggesting measures that would enable the use of rival maps and applications on its platform.

As part of the agreement with the regulator, Google Automotive Services, which includes Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant, will allow the integration of alternative services within in-vehicle infotainment systems.

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Google has also pledged to eliminate contract terms that restrict the simultaneous use of its map services alongside those from other providers, such as HERE, Mapbox, or TomTom.