Toyota revs up its commitment to Linux

Car maker joins leading Linux development community

Car giant Toyota has become the latest corporation to join open source alliance The Linux Foundation, as it looks to strengthen innovation in its in-car information and entertainment services.

Linux is increasingly important to car makers, who are looking for ways to integrate a plethora of gadgets, such as smartphones, MPS players and GPS route planners – or in car-maker speak “infotainment systems" – with the in-car control systems.

“Linux gives us the flexibility and technology maturity we require to evolve our In-Vehicle-Infotainment and communications systems to address the expectations of our customers,” said Kenichi Murata, an electronics manager at Toyota.

Historically, many car makers used standards such as OSEK OS – which was established by German car firms BMW, Opel, Volkswagen and others in 1993 – to integrate electronic devices.

But increasingly, the industry’s giants, including BMW, General Motors and Peugeot Citroen have been exploring the use of Linux for integrating the infotainment systems.

Toyota's decision to formally join The Linux Foundation highlights the growing importance of the open source system to car firms.

“Toyota’s investment in Linux is a testament to the ubiquity of the operating system and its ability to support the latest market requirements,” said Jim Zemlin, executive director at The Linux Foundation.

The Linux Foundation provides an umbrella group of support for developers looking to extend the open source operating system’s capabilities.