Oct. 05, 2011
TMC to Launch Global Cloud-platform-based
Next-Generation Telematics Services in Emerging Markets
Toyota City, Japan, October 5, 2011―Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) plans to launch next-generation telematics services1 in emerging markets around the world, starting with Thailand in March 2012. The services will use a global cloud platform, scheduled for rollout in 2012, under co-development by TMC and United States-based Microsoft Corporation.
The new platform will function as information infrastructure for next-generation telematics services designed for use in TMC-produced electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles scheduled for launch in Japan and the United States. The telematics services to be launched in Thailand will use the same platform and will represent the first step in TMC's plan to progressively expand provision of such services to other emerging markets, where infrastructure could be limited. This expanding provision of telematics services―part of a rapid, global deployment―will be enabled by the integration of TMC's telematics technologies with Microsoft's cloud technologies and information infrastructure.
The services for Thailand will be designed for use with smartphones but will also be accessible by linking a smartphone and an onboard Audio Display system, thus allowing use both inside and outside the vehicle. In addition, as an onboard navigation system is not required for use, TMC will be able to offer onboard systems at lower prices.
The planned services for Thailand include a navigation system routing service, currently available in Japan and China, which uses traffic information to help the user avoid traffic congestion. TMC will also launch two services currently available in Japan, China, and the United States: A routing service that allows users to have an operator set a destination, and an emergency notification service for requesting assistance in the event of an accident or other emergency.
1A combination of the words telecommunication and informatics. Telematics terminals are installed in cars and other vehicles with services provided through wireless networks and data centers.
2Announced in April this year
The new platform will function as information infrastructure for next-generation telematics services designed for use in TMC-produced electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles scheduled for launch in Japan and the United States. The telematics services to be launched in Thailand will use the same platform and will represent the first step in TMC's plan to progressively expand provision of such services to other emerging markets, where infrastructure could be limited. This expanding provision of telematics services―part of a rapid, global deployment―will be enabled by the integration of TMC's telematics technologies with Microsoft's cloud technologies and information infrastructure.
The services for Thailand will be designed for use with smartphones but will also be accessible by linking a smartphone and an onboard Audio Display system, thus allowing use both inside and outside the vehicle. In addition, as an onboard navigation system is not required for use, TMC will be able to offer onboard systems at lower prices.
The planned services for Thailand include a navigation system routing service, currently available in Japan and China, which uses traffic information to help the user avoid traffic congestion. TMC will also launch two services currently available in Japan, China, and the United States: A routing service that allows users to have an operator set a destination, and an emergency notification service for requesting assistance in the event of an accident or other emergency.
1A combination of the words telecommunication and informatics. Telematics terminals are installed in cars and other vehicles with services provided through wireless networks and data centers.
2Announced in April this year
