Ford and Toyota join forces to bring in-car apps into line

Encouraging innovation: Ford wants to bring some uniformity to the in-car app development process.

Announced on Wednesday, the new consortium has already received support from fellow automotive firms Mazda, Peugeot, Citroen, Subaru and Suzuki; while Harman, Panasonic and Pioneer, three of the world's leading aftermarket in-car entertainment system makers, have also signalled their intent to join.

"Encouraging innovation is at the centre of Ford's decision to create SmartDeviceLink, and this consortium is a major step toward that goal," said Doug VanDagens, global director, Ford Connected Vehicle and Services, and a board member of the consortium. "Consumers will win with new, innovative app experiences from increased collaboration and developer engagement."