Nokia Said to Prefer German Carmakers as Buyer for Maps Unit

Nokia Oyj, the Finnish maker of telecommunications equipment, is leaning toward selling its maps business to a group of German carmakers, although price differences remain, according to people familiar with the matter.

Nokia is aiming to pressure the group, which consists of Audi AG, BMW AG and Daimler AG, to increase its offer by continuing to entertain bids from others, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the talks are private. The carmakers, who are key clients for the technology and first approached Nokia about a sale, may hesitate to pay the as much as $4 billion being sought for the unit, known as HERE, they said.