Toyota Forms Connected-Car Data Unit

Toyota Motor Corp. is launching a U.S. data company to develop new ways to wirelessly connect vehicles to each other, their environment and their owners’ homes.

Based in Plano, Tex., Toyota Connected Inc. cites two primary goals: create and deliver seamless and contextual data services, and offer advanced data analytics to support product development. The unit also will coordinate Toyota’s global activities in telematics, safety, smart-city integration, fleet services and other capabilities for the company’s affiliates and dealers.

The new affiliate will leverage Toyota’s existing alliance with Microsoft Corp. by using Microsoft's Azure cloud technology to expand the carmaker’s data management and services capabilities. The two companies will continue their work to develop connected-car services.

Toyota Connected will be led by CEO Zach Hicks, who also serves as chief information officer for Toyota Motor North America. The unit’s chairman is Shigeki Tomoyama, a Toyota senior managing officer.