The development history of Amap

The first stage: arduous exploration and technology accumulation (2002-2004)

Amap’s entrepreneurial team has been involved in the GPS field since the 1990s In July 2002, after the establishment of AutoNavi Software Co., Ltd., under the leadership of the founding team of AutoNavi, AutoNavi’s R&D team finally developed a set of Data collection tools and editing processing platform with independent intellectual property rights.

Technological exploration and innovation have brought business opportunities to AutoNavi. In August 2002, AutoNavi jointly established Beijing Edifi Navigation Technology Co., Ltd. with Aisin AW, Fuji Ten and other companies, and began to develop the vehicle navigation electronic map sales market.

Major Events In July 2002, AutoNavi Software Co., Ltd. was established.

Major Events In August 2002, AutoNavi established a joint venture "Beijing Edifi Navigation Technology Co., Ltd." with Aisin AW, Fuji Ten and other companies.

For a long time, navigation electronic maps have been a bottleneck for the development of China's navigation and location service industries. This is manifested in the lack of basic map data, obsolescence, rapid urbanization, complex road traffic conditions, and no unified standards for data production. . How to develop navigation electronic map production standards, processes and platforms with completely independent intellectual property rights that are suitable for China's national conditions has also become a key technical problem that map data providers need to solve.

Major Events In January 2003, AutoNavi developed a data collection tool and editing platform with independent intellectual property rights.

In June 2004, AutoNavi became the first private enterprise in the country to obtain Class A surveying and mapping qualifications for navigation electronic maps and passed ISO9001 certification. After obtaining Class A surveying and mapping qualifications, Amap began to collect data on a large scale and gradually built a high-quality database.

Major Events In June 2004, Amap became a national Class A surveying and mapping qualification unit and became the first private enterprise in the country to obtain Class A surveying and mapping qualifications for navigation electronic maps.

Second stage: Develop, grow and lead the industry (2005-2009)

After Amap obtained the Class A surveying and mapping qualification for navigation electronic map, it continued to develop the content of the navigation electronic map database. While developing and accumulating navigation engines, we are committed to exploring and innovating business models, providing customers with integrated solutions, and expanding business areas. AutoNavi's leading core technology and innovative business model have enabled AutoNavi's products and services to achieve excellent results in the three major business fields of car navigation applications, wireless Internet location service applications, and government and enterprise applications. It has also established AutoNavi's position in China's navigation industry. leading position.

Major Events In August 2005, AutoNavi acquired Beijing Tumeng Technology Co., Ltd., a leading basic map service provider in China.

Major Events In August 2005, AutoNavi began to provide navigation electronic maps to BMW, Honda and other models. And provide local search services for websites such as Sina and Google. Major Events In November 2005, AutoNavi began to provide navigation electronic maps to Shanghai General Motors. Picture: Navigation electronic map provided by AutoNavi to Shanghai GM Buick and Chevrolet

AutoNavi’s efforts in the field of car navigation have been highly recognized by automobile manufacturers, investors and the industry. In January 2006, AutoNavi signed a supply contract with FAW-Volkswagen and officially became FAW-Volkswagen's navigation electronic map supplier. In October, AutoNavi completed its first round of private equity financing of US$40 million and was selected into the 2007 China Potential 100 list by Forbes, becoming the only company in the domestic navigation electronic map industry to be on the list. In December, AutoNavi acquired Beijing Xingtiandi Information Technology Co., Ltd., becoming the only private enterprise in China with Class A qualification for aerial photography.

Major Events In January 2006, AutoNavi began to provide navigation electronic maps to FAW-Volkswagen.

Picture: Navigation electronic map provided by AutoNavi to FAW-Volkswagen

Major Events In October 2006, AutoNavi completed its first round of private equity financing of US$40 million, with investors including Sequoia Capital, KPCB, Walden International, Legend Investment and other well-known domestic and foreign venture funds.

Major Events In October 2006, Amap was selected into the 2007 China’s 100 Most Potential List by Forbes.

In May 2007, AutoNavi fully acquired Xiamen Navit Technology Co., Ltd. and restructured it into Xiamen AutoNavi Software Co., Ltd. to engage in professional navigation engine research and development. In October, AutoNavi built a high-end navigation electronic map database covering 31 provinces/municipalities/autonomous regions across the country and the two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau. AutoNavi has become a “double-owner” enterprise in China that owns navigation electronic map data and navigation software.

Major Events In May 2007, Amap wholly acquired Xiamen Navit Technology Co., Ltd.

Major Events In October 2007, the data collection operation in Tibet was completed, marking the completion of AutoNavi’s nationwide real-scene data collection. Picture: Scenes of data collection operations in Tibet by field personnel

Picture: CD-ROMs of field-collected data stored in the AutoNavi database

In January 2008, AutoNavi announced its excellent sales and The profit growth rate was rated as "China's Most Potential Enterprise in 2008" by the Chinese version of Forbes.

In that year, the company's investment in independent R&D and innovation reached 16% of the year's revenue, far exceeding the average R&D/revenue ratio of about 4% for domestic high-tech companies.

Major Events In January 2008, AutoNavi was named "China's Most Potential Enterprise in 2008" by the Chinese version of Forbes.

In 2008, the May 12 Wenchuan Earthquake occurred. After the earthquake, the life and death of the people in the disaster area affected the hearts of people across the country. On the evening of May 14, 2008, the company received the urgent task of providing a large wall map of the Wenchuan earthquake-stricken area in Sichuan Province for the National Bureau of Surveying, Mapping and Geographic Information. "Disaster is an order"! Gaode cadres and employees immediately took action to carry out satellite image data collection, vector data preparation, map design and other work. They fought continuously day and night until all the wall charts were delivered to the National Bureau of Surveying, Mapping and Geographic Information at 8 pm on May 17, successfully completing the task. In August 2008, AutoNavi was awarded the title of "Unit with Outstanding Deeds of Surveying and Mapping for 'Earthquake Relief'" by the Beijing Municipal Planning Commission; in October, it was awarded the medal of "Unit with Special Contribution to Earthquake Relief GIS Services" by the China Geographic Information Systems Association; in August 2010 In August, the Beijing Municipal Planning Commission awarded Gaode the "Contribution Award for Construction Aid Work (Wenchuan, Sichuan)" certificate.

In June 2008, Amap acquired all the assets and team of Wuhan Ultimate Source Digital Co., Ltd. and established a three-dimensional data production team, laying a solid foundation for Amap to provide map services to the Olympic Games and World Expo. In the same year, AutoNavi cooperated with Sina to launch the "Olympic Traffic Real-time Traffic Information" service before the opening of the Olympic Games. Realize driving, bus transfer, positioning and search functions for all venues, scenic spots and hotels in 7 Olympic cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin and Qingdao, as well as travel guide for the Olympic day and summary information of traffic restriction notices.

Amap’s positive contributions to ensuring the successful hosting of the Beijing Olympics have been fully recognized by the Olympic Organizing Committee, the National Bureau of Surveying, Mapping and Geographic Information, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development and other departments. At the same time, the news of "Amap Software Co., Ltd. applying 3D surveying and mapping technology to serve the Beijing Olympics" was reported on CCTV News Broadcast. According to reports, this new technology has completed the true three-dimensional scenes of the Beijing Olympic venues, Qingdao urban area and Olympic sailing venue. The high-precision and high-definition three-dimensional digital imaging system can load unlimited three-dimensional urban models and images, and uses virtual reality technology to generate a realistic, dynamic, and interactive digital urban environment, making people's understanding of the new Beijing and new Olympics more convenient, clear, and intuitive.

Major Events In August 2008, Amap won the title of “Unit with Outstanding Performance in Olympic Surveying and Mapping Service Guarantee”. Picture: AutoNavi won the medal of "Unit with Outstanding Performance in Olympic Surveying and Mapping Service Guarantee" and the "Service Olympic Award" medal

On January 9, 2009, AutoNavi officially signed a contract with the Shanghai World Expo and became the Shanghai World Expo Bureau's 2010 The only authorized and designated sponsor of navigation electronic maps and their application services for the World Expo. This is the only navigation electronic map sponsorship in the Expo's more than 150-year history. At the signing ceremony, AutoNavi also presented a precious moon map as a gift to the World Expo. This is the first lunar surface image of China’s first lunar exploration project, marking the beginning of the Chinese nation’s “nine days to embrace the moon”.

Major Events In January 2009, AutoNavi became the exclusive sponsor of the navigation map and application service project of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

Picture: Chen Xianxian, Deputy Director of the Shanghai World Expo Bureau, and Cheng Congwu, CEO of AutoNavi signed an agreement on behalf of both parties

Picture: AutoNavi presented the precious moon map "Shangjiutianlan" to the Expo "Month"

Major Events In July 2009, AutoNavi released the iPhone version of the AutoNavi navigation application, becoming China's first navigation software based on Apple applications.

Major Events In September 2009, AutoNavi, as the only navigation electronic map company, participated in the 60th Anniversary Achievements Exhibition on behalf of the National Bureau of Surveying and Mapping. Party and state leaders Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin and their delegation visited the Gaode exhibition area.

The third stage: successful listing, full-scale transformation (2010-2014)

On July 1, 2010, AutoNavi was listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market in the United States It was successfully listed with the stock code AMAP, achieving a new historic leap in the company's development.

Major Events On July 1, 2010, AutoNavi Holdings Limited was successfully listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market in the United States, with the stock code AMAP. Picture: AutoNavi Holdings Co., Ltd. was successfully listed on Nasdaq in the United States

In September 2010, AutoNavi obtained the "Class A Surveying and Mapping Qualification for Internet Map Services" issued by the National Bureau of Surveying and Mapping. This is the successor to AutoNavi. This is the third Class A surveying and mapping qualification after obtaining the Class A surveying and mapping qualification for navigation electronic maps and the Class A surveying and mapping qualification for aerial photography. In October, AutoNavi was listed in the 2010 Deloitte High-Tech and Fast-Growth China Top 50.

Major Events Amap was listed in the 2010 Deloitte High-tech and Fast-Growing China Top 50.

During the World Expo, all World Expo designated navigation terminals were loaded with Amap. Whether it was between cities or within the Expo site, tourists could fully experience the role of Amap in road navigation and real-time traffic. , route planning and other conveniences to create a “successful, exciting and unforgettable” Expo experience for all exhibitors and visitors. AutoNavi also won the "Shanghai World Expo GIS Service Special Contribution Unit" award issued by the China Geographic Information Systems Association.

Major Events Amap won the "Shanghai World Expo GIS Service Special Contribution Unit" award. Figure 2-5 AutoNavi was awarded the "Special Contribution Unit for GIS Services at the Shanghai World Expo"

In October 2010, AutoNavi and the Dutch satellite navigation equipment manufacturer TomTom Global Content B.V. established a joint venture in China, Beijing AutoNavi. Information Technology Co., Ltd. has enhanced the competitiveness of AutoNavi in ??the automotive pre-installed navigation market and mobile terminal location service market, and provided opportunities to enter the international market.

In March 2011, AutoNavi acquired Beijing Xiejin Technology Development Co., Ltd. to develop China Telecom’s mobile navigation business, which also marked the coverage of AutoNavi’s map services to China’s three major operators.

On May 17, 2011, with the arrival of the 43rd World Telecommunications and Information Society Day, Amap officially released the "Amap" mobile client software. "Amap" fully integrates free online navigation, LBS dating system, various life service channels, location advertising system and other resources to create a new "mobile life location service portal", providing a one-stop solution for domestic smartphone users Lifestyle consumption guide and location dating service. The launch of Amap marks the first step in the successful transformation of Amap Software into the mobile Internet and has become an important driving force for Amap's future growth.

Major Events On May 17, 2011, AMAP was launched online. Figure 2-7 "Amap" launch conference site

Major Events In June 2011, Amap won the 2010-2011 CSI-NASDAQ Golden Bull Best Investor Relations Company .

In September 2011, AutoNavi won the bid to develop the "Beidou Navigation Service Platform" in first place, and participated in the Beidou Navigation Industry Alliance to jointly promote the industrialization of Beidou applications.

In September 2012, AutoNavi became Apple’s map service provider in China and officially launched the service on September 24. This has greatly accelerated Amap's progress in the entire mobile Internet field and caused a huge sensation in the entire industry. In the same month, Amap won the "2012 Most Valuable Brand in China's Satellite Navigation and Location Service Industry" issued by the China Satellite Navigation and Positioning Association. With its excellent product performance and user experience, Amap won the "Best Practice" award at the 2012 China Internet Conference. "award.

Major Events In September 2012, Amap won the 2012 Most Valuable Brand in China’s Satellite Navigation and Location Services Industry; Amap won the Best Practice Award at the 2012 China Internet Conference. Picture: Amap won the "2012 Most Valuable Brand" award and Amap Map won the "Best Practice" award

In December 2012, "Amap Navigation" won the Apple App Store paid navigation application "Three consecutive championships" on the software gold list.

Major Events In May 2013, AutoNavi received a US$294 million investment from Alibaba, and the two parties reached a strategic cooperation agreement.

Major Events: On August 28, 2013, AutoNavi’s product, AutoNavi Navigation, became free

Major Events: In November 2013, AutoNavi joined hands with Lin Chiling to create the Goddess Map.

The fourth stage: Alibaba’s wholly-owned acquisition of AutoNavi (from April 2014 to present)

In April 2014, AutoNavi officially reached a merger and acquisition agreement with Alibaba Group. Alibaba will acquire the remaining 72% of AutoNavi at a consideration of US$5.25 per ordinary share or US$21.00 per American depositary share (ADS).

Cheng Congwu, Chairman and CEO of AutoNavi, said: "I believe this transaction maximizes the interests of AutoNavi shareholders. Becoming a member of Alibaba is the best choice for AutoNavi employees and customers. . Alibaba will provide the company with abundant strategic resources and assistance to accelerate the penetration of Amap’s location services in China’s mobile Internet ecosystem.”

Alibaba Group CEO Lu Zhaoxi said: “We can cooperate with Amap. The AutoNavi team is very excited to work together to integrate mobile e-commerce into the lives of Alibaba consumers. Through this transaction, AutoNavi will maintain its leading position in the increasingly competitive wireless map application and local service market.

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