Toyota Motor plans to install its proprietary software in all of its models by 2030, the Nikkei reported on the 17th.
At a technology briefing for investors earlier this month, Toyota said it would equip its entire lineup of about 50 models with Arene, its in-house software platform, converting them into software-defined vehicles, or SDVs.
An SDV is a car whose functions can be upgraded through software updates, much like a smartphone. Toyota said it would install Arene in the 10 million new vehicles it ships each year, allowing owners to improve functions through software updates even after purchase.
Arene was first installed in the RAV4 sport utility vehicle launched last year. Toyota plans to extend it to all of its models by 2030 and to supply it to partner automakers by 2035 to expand the number of equipped vehicles. It will later install the software not only in cars but also in robots and in communications devices embedded in infrastructure such as houses and utility poles. The aim is to connect vehicles and infrastructure through communications so that lights in a home switch on as a car approaches, or a communications device on a utility pole signals the presence of a pedestrian.
By converting its entire lineup to SDVs, Toyota intends to focus on its "value chain business" after new-car sales, including systems that support safe driving using wireless communications, software function updates and sales of replacement parts.
The company set a target of raising operating profit from businesses other than new-car sales to 3 trillion yen (about 25.4 trillion won) by fiscal 2030, 40% more than at present.