Ford and Toyota have teamed up to establish a non-profit organisation to manage open-source software for smartphone app development.

Ford contributed its AppLink software to the open source community in 2013.

The SmartDeviceLink Consortium is being supported by Mazda, PSA, Fuji and Suzuki as well as suppliers Elektrobit, Luxofta and Xevo. In addition, Harman, Panasonic, Pioneer and QNX have signed Letters of Intent to join.

The collaboration “focused on significantly increasing choice for consumers in how they connect and control their smartphone apps on the road”, providing an alternative to Apple and Google.

The SmartDeviceLink technology is based on Ford’s contribution of its AppLink software to the open source community in 2013.

Toyota has also said it plans to commercialise a telematics system using SDL around 2018.

Shigeki Tomoyama, president of Toyota’s Connected Company, said: “Connectivity between smartphones and the vehicle interface is one of the most important connected services. Using SmartDeviceLink, we can provide this service to our customers in a safe and secure manner. We are excited to collaborate with many auto manufacturers and suppliers who share our view.”

Commenting on the news, Colin Bird, senior automotive analyst, IHS Markit, said: “SDL’s OBDII connection provides automakers a counterweight to the strength of Apple, Google, and MirrorLink, none of which can access detailed OBD-II information. IHS Markit sees SDL having big potential when it comes to apps implementing driver centric data, such as eco coach for green friendly driver, usage-based insurance (UBI) apps that can harness car sensor data for more accurate risk assessments, and potentially telematics applications for parking and more.

“SmartDeviceLink will likely be a powerful OEM-centric alternative to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While Toyota, one of the world’s largest automakers, previously made a commitment to implement Apple CarPlay, and hasn’t made such a commitment to implementing Android Auto,” Bird added. “Toyota’s strategy seems to be to implement Toyota Entune powered by SDL, prior to introducing third-party alternatives. Android Auto also has little to no coverage in China, which could give SDL an advantage.”