Standardizing Software Would Reduce Costs that Are Currently 10 Times that of a Decade Ago

What is one way for automakers to reduce costs and end up with higher quality, more reliable new vehicles in the end? Standardize and then share common componentry.

The concept has been used in motorsport in order to reduce the costs rival teams incur readying cars for the racetrack, and even considered by the highest priced and most competitive of all auto sport series, F1, so why not share technologies between volume car manufacturers?

The fact is its already happening. Automakers might assemble cars,

Standardized and shared componentry just makes sense in the highly competitive automotive industry where quality and reliability standards are a major concern. (Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.)

But what if

Toyota Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co. will combine forces to set up an international standard for software that runs new vehicle electronic systems. (Photo: Nissan North America)

That is exactly the thinking behind auto giants Toyota Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co., who will combine forces to cut costs and set up an international standard for software that runs new vehicle electronic systems.

Similarly

The union would make it possible to reduce development costs and improve the quality of base software. (Photo: Nissan North America)

This makes a great deal of sense being that automakers only show there differences

A non-profit entity dubbed JASPAR will handle the details of the joint venture. (Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.)

"At Toyota, well see an increase in collaborative areas," said Takeshi Yoshida, Managing Officer, Lexus Development Center, through a translator during a Vancouver, Canada press conference on Friday. "The standardization of software will only affect the foundation of systems, not the interface at the user end. Everything specifically depends on the customers preferences, as well as the vehicle application."

The Toyota and Nissan joint venture will be through a non-profit entity dubbed JASPAR (Japan Automotive Software

Currently Japanese automakers collectively spend approximately 100 billion yen ($915 million USD) per year on software development. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Is the JV only limited to Toyota and Nissan? Not at all. JASPAR is also looking for participation from additional car makers and automotive electronics manufacturers in expectation of setting up an international automotive software standard.

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