Sep. 03, 2003

Toyota and Mitsubishi Motors Collaborate on G-BOOK

―Mitsubishi models in Japan to feature G-BOOK from 2005―

 

Tokyo, September 3, 2003― Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced that they have reached a basic agreement on providing MMC users with G-BOOK, a TMC-developed information network service. MMC plans to start this service from 2005.

TMC started G-BOOK service in October 2002. Beginning this August, TMC extended its line-up of G-BOOK-equipped models by making G-BOOK functions standard on manufacturer-installed vehicle navigation systems, enabling it to offer G-BOOK service to more customers.

MMC considers telematics essential for strengthening marketability and improving functionality of its cars. As a result, the company has been studying the introduction of G-BOOK within its general policy of strategic partnerships in selected areas.

TMC and MMC reached an agreement based on the idea that it is important for automakers to take a leading role in providing customers with safe and high quality services, and that cooperative relationships in the field of telematics should be established promptly.

Key points of agreement
1. MMC will install G-BOOK compatible information terminals in MMC models sold in Japan starting in 2005 and offer G-BOOK services to its customers.
2. MMC will develop its own G-BOOK membership system and manage it in combination with its customer management system when offering this service.
3. TMC will provide MMC with information and telecommunication services, infrastructure, and application technology necessary for realizing the above.

The two companies will continue to jointly discuss detailed specifications, conditions, and timing.
TMC began providing G-BOOK service to Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd. this August, and also announced an agreement with Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. in February of this year. When the cooperative relationship envisaged in the basic agreement between MMC and TMC is fully implemented, both companies will be able to provide higher-quality, lower-cost services to customers while hoping to enhance widespread adoption of telematics services through G-BOOK.