Ford, Toyota, Mazda strike back against Google and Apple

Just when you though every car available in future would feature smartphone mirroring software via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, a syndicate of major car makers has decided to take on the tech giants at their own game.

Led by the world's biggest car maker, Toyota, along with Ford, Subaru, Suzuki, Citroen, Peugeot and Mazda, the group is plotting a rival to Apple's CarPlay and Android's Auto vehicle-to-smartphone integration software.

Dubbed SmartDeviceLink or SDL, the connectivity software is loosely based on Ford's existing AppLink system, which has been open-source since 2013 already operates on around five million cars globally (claims Ford).

The SmartDeviceLink Consortium will pour significant funds into open-source software that will allow drivers' smartphones to connect with their cars.

In a joint press statement, Toyota and Ford observed that: "Participating companies and suppliers will be able to deliver user experiences that meet their individual standards while retaining control over how much access apps have to vehicle data."

The last section about retaining control over data retention will be key, as issues around data privacy come under more scrutiny, with some analysts insisting data will become a new currency in time.

The SDL software will work in tandem with various smartphone apps already available, such as Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, AccuWeather and so on, and Toyota says it will deploy SDL in its vehicles from 2018.

Clearly the aforementioned car companies are none too happy to have Google and Apple dominate a crucial element of their businesses, particularly when the two US-based tech giants are plotting their own vehicles.

The official line from Ford and Toyota, who released a joint statement today, is non-confrontational.

"Connectivity between smartphones and the vehicle interface is one of the most important connected services," said Shigeki Tomoyama, president of Toyota's Connected Company.

"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," he stated.

Ford's declaration was similar in tone.

"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," he said.

Is there a vehicle data war brewing, and are the lines in the sand already being drawn? Have your say in the comments below.