KDDI and Toyota Partner in a Global Communications Platform for Cars
July 11, 2016IOT is changing the way we drive
The Internet of Things has brought innovation to cars, from GPS to self-parking, collision detection and integration with mobile phones. Though still in test mode, self-driving cars are right around the corner.
Global connectivity is the next step. Our parent company, KDDI, is a giant in the telecommunications industry. They have partnered with Toyota (TMC) to establish a global communications platform for cars. This platform will enable the operation of communications networks to support car connectivity on a global scale.
A broad-reaching, robust communications platform and the use of a uniform Data Communications Module (DCM) will be essential to its deployment.
The key to the global communications platform for cars is standardization
KDDI will develop globally uniform DCMs. They will be automatically connected with telecommunications carriers in different countries, based on where each car is located and used. This standardization of the DCMs is key to global connectivity.
TMC and KDDI will jointly plan and design the global communications platform which KDDI will develop and operate to support communications between DCMs and Cloud services.
Following a changeover of carriers—carried out by overwriting SIM settings via communications technology—DCMs can be connected without relying on global roaming services.
DCMs will be standard equipment in nearly all new Toyota and Lexus vehicles sold in Japan and the U.S. by 2020. They will gradually be installed in a range of new vehicles in other major markets over time.
“Communications technology is essential to enhance vehicle connectivity and Toyota has been making efforts in this field for years. The joint establishment of this global communications platform with KDDI will help us offer a more stable and higher quality connectivity service to customers all over the world”, said Shigeki Tomoyama, Senior Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation.
Connecting the Networks
With its 60 years in communications, KDDI has built relationships with more than 600 telecommunications carriers all over the world. This allows Toyota and KDDI to jointly choose and procure communications networks in each country to incorporate into the platform. The goal is to popularize the platform by making it available to other companies upon request.
“It is a great honor for KDDI to be able to conclude a global-scale partnership agreement with Toyota regarding connected vehicle initiatives. We are excited to participate in this large project which aims for a future where vehicles are connected in a variety of countries all over the world, and we are committed to doing everything possible to lead the project to success. Putting together the capability of the entire KDDI Group which deploys business globally, we plan to fully support the vehicle connectivity initiative”, said Takashi Tanaka, President of KDDI Corporation.
Imagine traveling in different countries and having your car connected on your journey? It’s coming soon!
