Toyota Partners with Yamaha on Communications-Linked Next-Gen Vehicles

Electric Car News | admin | November 29, 2011 at 12:36 am

Toyota and Yamaha Motor are partnering in the development of communications-linked next-generation vehicles with the aim of building a new mobility society of the future.

A part of this collaboration is their joint exhibition of a communications-linked electric commuter concept and an “electrically power assisted bicycle” concept at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.

The objectives of this collaboration between Toyota and Yamaha Motor are threefold:

- to build a comprehensive information infrastructure early on, in which vehicles made by both Toyota and Yamaha Motor can share the same charging infrastructure and integration with the Toyota Smart Center.

- to establish new transportation systems, including those to aid vehicle sharing system.

- to reduce development costs for IT services.

The two companies plan to start verification tests in the near future, with an eye toward commercialization of communications-linked products and IT services.

Vehicle navigation and telematics services that use smartphones and Wi-Fi communications will be made available to certain Yamaha Motor-produced vehicles to provide information such as charging-station location, charging-station availability and charging-completion notification. The two companies will also work toward expanding charging infrastructure, such as the G-Station charging station to be provided by Toyota Media Service Corporation for use with EVs and PHVs, that can be shared by both two-wheeled vehicles and automobiles.

In addition, various types of communications-linked services will be offered, including distribution of vehicle-sharing information (reservations, charging status/authentication, and payment) and uploading of diagnostic information to be used for vehicle maintenance.

Since the joint-development of the Toyota 2000GT launched in 1967, Toyota and Yamaha Motor have collaborated in a wide range of fields, such as the development and production of high-performance engines and automotive components.