Toyota Creates “Connected Technologies” to Advance Car Electronics

Toyota has formed a “Connected Technologies” group with approximately 100 associates. This decision was announced on the 28th of August. The newly formed group will be located in Plano, Texas, and will be run by Toyota Motor North America (TMNA). They will be focused on how to distribute industry leading user experience, as well as new technologies for Toyota and Lexus vehicles. The team will also include members from existing Toyota’s teams.

The center focus of this division will be creating a more personalized experience for drivers through the use of remote service. The transition of employees has already started in Toyota.

“In-car, connected vehicle technology is a high priority for us because its impact on the customer experience is becoming an increasingly important factor in their purchase decisions,” said Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota Motor North America. “Thanks to the new One Toyota structure, we are removing barriers among our North American teams that work on connected vehicles to create a more cohesive and empowered team to listen to and create an ever-better connected car experience for customers.”

Connected Technologies will be based in Plano, Texas, and report to Zack Hicks, who will carry on with his two current roles, being CIO of Toyota Motor North America and CEO of Toyota Connected North America.

“Our new team will double-down our efforts on connected vehicles so we can provide our Toyota and Lexus customers a more human experience,” commented Hicks. “Connected vehicles are the next step in a personalized driving experience, emphasizing your preferences as a driver thanks to better technology, improving the customer’s ownership experience over time.”

There will be two areas of focus: car-centric and driver centric features. Driver- centric content may contain cloud-based storage, Internet radio options and apps for infotainment systems. The car-centric content offers companies like Toyota the opportunity for distant diagnostics. Toyota mentions that cyber-security will also be a part of Connected Technologies.

The market for connected cars is growing very quickly. Looking at today’s world, cars are no longer just used for getting people from one place to another.