Toyota announced that it is launching a new company, Toyota Connected to focus on software and data-driven mobility and the new company will serve as its data science hub for global operations.
Toyota Connected launch signifies Toyota's global vision for a future with better mobility that is clean, safe and convenient.
The new company will be based out of Plano, Texas and will work on two main areas which include delivering seamless and contextual services and using cutting-edge data analytics to support product development.
Toyota Connected will partner with Microsoft in areas of research and development and will deliver new connected car solutions and elevated customer experiences.
This will include Microsoft engineers working at Toyota Connected's new facility and will provide continuous support across areas of technology and will use a broad range of data analytics and mobile programs.
It will use its Azure cloud computing technology and will develop predictive, contextual and intuitive services that can enhance driving experience.
Toyota Connected Chief Executive Officer and Toyota Motor North America Chief Information Officer, Zack Hicks said: "Toyota Connected will help free our customers from the tyranny of technology. It will make lives easier and help us to return to our humanity.
"From telematics services that learn from your habits and preferences, to use-based insurance pricing models that respond to actual driving patterns, to connected vehicle networks that can share road condition and traffic information, our goal is to deliver services that make lives easier."
Microsoft corporate strategy and planning executive vice president Kurt DelBene said: "Toyota is taking a bold step creating a company dedicated to bringing cloud intelligence into the driving experience."
"We look forward to working with Toyota Connected to harness the power of data to make driving more personal, intuitive and safe."
The new company is being structured based on Toyota Motor's global re-organisation into product-based companies. It will be focusing on expanding Toyota's work in connected and data science technologies.
Toyota Connected will centralize its initiatives on a broad range of emerging technology fields such as in-car services, telematics, home/IoT connectivity, personalization, safety, smart city integration and a broad range of data services for its dealers, fleet services and more.
Hicks added: "We'll be able to bring you services that make your life easier, and push the technology into the background and give you those things you really want, which isn't a blaring screen, it's really letting people know that you're running late for a meeting."
Image: Toyota Connected CEO Zack Hicks. Photo: Courtesy of Toyota.
