VW, Google Working on Auto Navigation System

Volkswagen’s American unit said it was working on a prototype vehicle featuring Google Inc.’s satellite mapping software to give drivers a bird’s-eye view of the road ahead.

The companies are working with graphics chip maker Nvidia Corp. to build an in-car navigation map system and a three-dimensional display so passengers can recognize where they are in relation to the surrounding topography.

A spokesman for Volkswagen said there were no definite plans to use the technology inside its vehicles.

But the collaboration between the German automaker and Google shows the progress the Web search leader is making in expanding beyond the computer realm.