The world’s largest automaker, Toyota Motor, has signed a deal with Nokia that will see the latter install Touch & Go navigation and infotainment systems for the Japanese carmaker’s automotives starting in 2014.
The deal will help drivers of Toyota cars access mapping information and other community-generated content — such as reviews — using Nokia’s HERE platform.
“By leveraging Nokia Local Search for Automotive, Toyota drivers will have fast and easy online access to the latest high-quality industry mapping information and community-generated content – including millions of ratings, reviews and images fed directly into their cars,” Nokia said.
Cars with the system will first be deployed in Europe, Russia and the Middle East before distribution to other parts of the world.
The success of Nokia’s end-to-end mapping system performance is in contrast to its smartphone business, which has “received a beating” from competitors in the last few years.
Apart from Toyota, other car manufacturers that have partnered with Nokia include BMW, which signed a similar deal to provide the newfangled Maps application to its 7 series models to enable drivers navigate cities.
“Nokia and Toyota share the same vision of what the in-vehicle location experience should be – immersive, always on. Today’s announcement underlines Nokia’s commitment to providing fresh content and services to the auto industry so it can deliver innovative consumer solutions,” said Eric Fumat, vice president sales and business development EMEA, Nokia location and commerce.
