Toyota Announces Commercialization of Telematics System Using SDL

Just recently, Toyota Motor Corp. has entered into a deal with Ford and Livio to set up an industry development and operation framework to deploy Livio’s SmartDeviceLink (SDL). Other developers and automakers are welcome to take part in this partnership. The Japanese automaker is also mulling the commercialization of a telematics system using SDL.

An open source platform for smartphone apps and car connectivity, SDL enables customers to use apps in their vehicle through voice recognition function and operation panel.

In a statement, Shigeki Terashi, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Corporation, said that the development of a safer and more secure in-car smartphone connectivity service which better matches inpidual vehicle features is the advantage and value a carmaker could offer customers. He added that they anticipate multiple companies to share their view and take part in the industry SDL partnership.

In Toyota and Ford entered a partnership agreement for next generation in-car telematics system standardization in August 2011. In June last year, the Japanese automaker entered into a deal with Ford and Livio to dig into SDL launch to its vehicles. Its probe and consideration of SDL has been completed successfully, and the company has proven SDL’s suitability for its in-car app connectivity.

SDL enables automakers to offer smartphone apps which complement each company’s in-car system interface and characteristics. This in turn helps customers to use their preferred apps safely and comfortably.

If more automakers implement SDL, app developers can develop apps which are compatible with a number of carmaker’s telematics systems at one time. This suggests more apps available to customers in just a shorter development time.

Toyota is slated to give a demo of SDL integration at CES, which will run tomorrow until the 9th, in the Livio exhibit, LVCC – North.