Toyota unveils new software for self-driving cars, challenging Volkswagen and Daimler

文/Zachary Snowdon Smith

Image source: Visual China

Synopsis:

According to the Japanese financial newspaper Nikkei Shimbun reported on Monday, Toyota plans to launch an autonomous driving operating system by 2025. On the eve of the news, Toyota released sales data, and Toyota is expected to top the US market for the first time.

Key facts:

According to the Nikkei Shimbun, Toyota's Areene operating system will monitor safety systems and traffic information and control basic car parts such as steering wheels and brakes.

According to the Nikkei Shimbun, Toyota is considering making the system available to other automakers and startups focused on electric or self-driving cars.

According to Reuters, Arene is positioned to be in line with Volkswagen's upcoming "VW. OS" operating system and Daimler plans to launch the "Mercedes-Benz operating system" competition in 2024.

CNN business columnist Chris Isidore said the news came a day before Toyota and General Motors released year-end sales figures, which could make Toyota the leader of the U.S. market for the first time, ending GM's 95-year dominance.

Because GM reported that inventories of some key components were at "historic lows," Toyota significantly outpaced GM in the first three quarters of 2021.

Key Background:

Software has become an increasingly important part of car design, managing motor and battery performance, and more complex functions such as navigation and entertainment. Previously, automakers licensed much of the software from companies like Microsoft, Google and Blackberry. However, with the popularity of electric vehicles and self-driving cars, more and more manufacturers are beginning to develop internal operating systems. Tech companies are also starting to get involved in car manufacturing, and according to a report by investment firm Wedbush Securities, Apple cars are expected to go public in 2025.

Objections:

2021 has been a tough year for Toyota, with the company expected sales to fall 31 percent in the fourth quarter, a time when auto and electronics manufacturers are facing disruptions to their semiconductor supply chains. However, Cox Automotive analysts told CNN that GM's sales are expected to fall 46 percent over the same period, maintaining Toyota's lead.

Relevant:

All vehicles that use Arene, regardless of make or model, can use the sharing feature. According to the Nikkei Shimbun, drivers will be able to update the software online to "quickly improve" vehicle performance.

Translated by Stephen