Embracing the future of vehicle technology, Ford and Toyota have reached an agreement to implement Livio SmartDeviceLink (SDL) technology in future Toyota and Lexus models.

“We continue to investigate new technologies that both enhance and safeguard the driving experience of Toyota and Lexus owners,” said Shigeki Terashi, Senior Managing Officer, Toyota Motor Corporation. “The in-car app market is quickly evolving. Developing robust, flexible, safe and user-friendly connected services is a priority for us, and one that we believe is shared by Ford, Livio and other contributors to SDL technology.”

According to the companies, “SDL is an open source platform created to facilitate smartphone applications including entertainment, traffic, parking and other data from the internet for use in in-car infotainment systems; and those apps can be easily accessed using voice recognition, display screens, and dashboard controls. Besides its seamless ease of operation, the benefits of SDL technology include the ability for developers to design an app only one time, yet have it work across multiple infotainment systems. This saves development time and allows apps to be introduced more quickly to a wider audience.”

This marks the second time since 2011 that the two companies have joined together to develop next-generation technology to enhance the driving experience.

image courtesy of Ford