Consortium to Develop Open-Source Links for In-Car Apps

Ford and Toyota have formed a nonprofit group to manage open-source software for smartphone apps used in vehicles.

Other members of the new SmartDeviceLink consortium are Fuji Heavy Industries, Mazda, PSA and Suzuki. Suppliers Elektrobit, Luxoft and Xevo indicate they plan to join.

SDL says its open-source technology has web, mobile and embedded components. The group’s aim is to create a standard linking protocol through which consumers will be able to access smartphone apps using voice commands, steering wheel controls and in-vehicle displays.

Analysts note the move is an attempt to counter attempts to control access represented by proprietary platforms being offered by Apple Inc. (CarPlay) and Google Inc. (Android Auto). Having a single open-source link will help developers create new and more secure apps for cars faster, according to the consortium.

The SmartDeviceLink technology expands on Ford’s own AppLink software, which the company contributed to open-source developers in 2013. The consortium’s efforts will be managed by Michigan-based connectivity startup Livio, which Ford acquired three years ago.