Microsoft and Toyota have announced a $12 million investment in Toyota Media Services, a strategic partnership to make the automobile the ultimate mobile device.
The partnership intends to use Microsoft’s “cloud computing” Windows Azure platform to develop next-generation telematics services, fusing telecommunications and information technologies in vehicles for GPS systems, energy management and other multimedia technologies.
Toyota’s electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles will be equipped with the new services in 2012, with worldwide roll-out by 2015.
“Today’s announcement of our partnership with TMC is a great example of how we continue to invest in the automotive industry and of our commitment to power the services that are important to consumers,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.
“It further validates the power of the cloud, as the Windows Azure platform will provide the enterprise-grade, scalable platform that TMC needs to deliver telematics in its automobiles worldwide.”
“This new partnership between Microsoft and Toyota is an important step in developing greater future mobility and energy management for consumers around the world. Creating these more efficient, more environmentally advanced products will be our contribution to society,” said Akio Toyoda, president of TMC.
“To achieve this, it is important to develop a new link between vehicles, people and smart center energy-management systems.”
Microsoft has been involved in the auto industry for several years. It designed Ford's Sync entertainment system, which debuted in 2007, allowing drivers to make phone calls, listen to text messages and use GPS.
