Google could be moving into the car GPS map market with the introduction of a prototype vehicle from Volkswagen.

In a design that was originally touted by Google's co-founder Larry Page at CES earlier this year, the two companies have confirmed that they are working with Nvidia to build and in-car navigation map system.

The system will use Google's Earth software at its core and offer users directions on the fly using the satellite data. A three-dimensional display will allow passengers to recognise where they are in relation to the surrounding buildings and landscapes.

A spokesman for the automaker said there were no definite plans to use the technology inside cars. But the collaboration between the automaker and Google shows the progress the Web search leader is making expanding beyond the computer realm.

Google first introduced Google Earth last June for the PC and in January for Apple Mac users as a free satellite image-based mapping product.

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