Toyota, Microsoft Join Forces on Toyota Connected for Connected Cars

Toyota has created a joint venture with Microsoft to accelerate research on connected cars, the automaker announced today. The collaboration, dubbed Toyota Connected, will bring Microsoft Azure’s cloud computing platform to Toyota cars.

The automaker says the move will help consolidate its efforts in data management and data analytics. The partnership will support everything from telematics services that learn a driver’s habits and preferences, to use-based insurance price models that respond to driving patterns. It also aims to create a connected vehicle network that can share information about traffic and road conditions.

Toyota Connected will be based in Plano, Texas, where Toyota’s new U.S. headquarters will be located. Here, microsoft engineers will work side by side with Toyota. Leading the new company will be Zack Hicks, chief information officer at Toyota Motor North America.

“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,” Hicks said in a statement today. The company will support a broad range of data services for Toyota customers, dealers, fleet services, and Toyota affiliates.

Today’s announcement expands an existing partnership between Toyota and Microsoft. Back in 2011, the two companies announced a new partnership on telematics. But Toyota isn’t the only company to utilize Microsoft Azure, as Nissan recently selected the system to power its infotainment systems.

Source: Toyota

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