The carmaker is to deploy a telematics system using the SmartDeviceLink (SDL) platform, which has been developed by Livio and is being used by Ford, which acquired Livio in 2013.

The open-source platform for smartphone apps and car connectivity enables customers to use apps in their vehicle using voice recognition.

Toyota also said it welcomed more carmakers and app developers joining the collaboration.

Shigeki Terashi, Toyota Motor Corporation executive vice president, said: “Developing a safer and more secure in-car smartphone connectivity service which better matches individual vehicle features is exactly the kind of value and advantage a carmaker can offer its customers. We expect that many companies share our view and will participate in the industry SDL collaboration.”

In addition, Toyota announced that its advances in vehicle connectivity would be supported through the expanded installation of a Data Communication Module in its vehicles, which will connect them to mobile telecommunications networks. The roll-out will being with 2017 models in the USA before being expanded to other regions and countries.

Toyota will also provide an emergency notification as a standard feature on vehicles equipped with DCM, which will activate when airbags are deployed during a traffic accident.