Toyota to launch collaborative automotive system by 2025

Japanese automaker Toyota is planning to release its own operating system, according to a report by Nikkei.

The operating system (OS), or automotive software platform, is aimed to be capable of handling advanced operating systems such as autonomous driving, for its vehicles by 2025.

Named Arene, the automotive software platform is likely to compete with Germany’s Volkswagen and Daimler. Volkswagen is currently working on its ‘VW.OS’ software, whilst Daimler is expected to launch its own ‘Mercedes-Benz Operating System’ in its cars by 2024.

For Toyota, the plan is to make its operating system available to other automakers such as Subaru, and reports also show that Toyota is contemplating a licensing model to make Arene available to other car manufacturers and companies that are producing their own electric and self-driving cars.

Nikkei reports that Toyota’s engineers will be able to develop the OS without waiting for the new hardware, and cloud integration will allow various teams to work on it together remotely. The system is also meant to allow for simulation and virtual testing as well.

Additionally, Toyota plans to open Arene to other developers, in the hope to encourage companies from outside the industry to create applications for autonomous driving and other functions. According to Nikkei, the automaker sees services from a variety of areas being added to a car as easily as downloading a smartphone app.

Arene will control components such as the steering wheel, brakes, and accelerator as well as location and traffic information. All vehicles that are fitted with the operating system will have access to shared functions, no matter the make or model. The system can also be updated online by consumers, similar to a smartphone update, enabling fast improvements to performance.

Toyota has also recently launched a tailor-made two-seater Electric vehicle called C+ pod. The small car is completely powered by a lithium-ion battery and has a maximum speed of 60kmph.

These projects are a part of Toyota’s commitment to 100% zero-emission sales in Europe by 2035.