Toyota to showcase new SDL-based telematics system at CES 2016

Toyota is looking to establish an industry development and operations framework in order to deploy Livio's SmartDeviceLink (SDL) which it has developed alongside Ford.

SDL is an open source platform for smartphone apps and car connectivity, which allows customers to use apps through voice recognition, when behind the wheel. Toyota has opened the doors to other automakers and app developers to join them in this collaboration. The Japanese carmaker will also commercialise its own telematics system using SDL.

Toyota is set to demonstrate an SDL integration in the Livio exhibit at CES 2016, as officials from Ford and Livio will also participate.

Shigeki Terashi, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Corporation, said: "Developing a safer and more secure in-car smartphone connectivity service which better matches individual vehicle features is exactly the value and advantage an automaker can offer customers. We expect that many companies share our view and will participate in the industry SDL collaboration."

Toyota’s initial deal with Ford dates back to 2011, and since then it has completed its investigation and consideration of SDL, finding it suitable for its in-car app connectivity. SDL allows manufacturers to offer smartphone apps which match each company's in-car system interface. This in turn enables customers to use specific apps more safely and comfortably.

Additionally, if more car manufacturers make use of SDL, developers can bring out more apps which are compatible with multiple automakers' telematics systems at one time, resulting in more apps being available in a shorter amount of time.

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