RAV4 and New Academy
Toyota Launches Software Offensive
The world’s largest car manufacturer also wants to place greater emphasis on software.
Toyota
With the sixth generation of the RAV4, Toyota is presenting not only an evolved SUV, but also the new software platform Arene and a dedicated software academy. The goal: a digital driving experience and the training of new AI and software experts.
Although the world’s largest carmaker has gained four
positions in the latest Future Readiness Indicator from the International
Institute for Management Development, Toyota still only ranks seventh in terms
of overall future viability. According to the institute, investments in brand
and customer experience are essential to remain competitive in the long term.
The Japanese manufacturer seems to have taken this to heart: in order to catch
up on future readiness, Toyota is now launching its own software academy.
With the world premiere of the new Toyota RAV4, the Japanese
automotive group is also aiming to take a step towards software-defined
vehicles and digital mobility. The sixth generation is not only about a new
vehicle architecture and an updated plug-in hybrid system, but above all about
a comprehensive digital ecosystem, which Toyota is enabling through its new
software platform Arene. According to Toyota, the newly established software
academy is intended to significantly improve both the user experience and the
speed of development for new safety- and comfort-related features. So what lies
behind it?
Arene enables digital driving experience
With Arene, Toyota is introducing a completely new software
platform designed to initiate the transition to fully software-defined
vehicles. It forms the foundation for modern safety, assistance, and
infotainment systems, which are available for the first time in the new RAV4.
Toyota highlights that the digital architecture enables quicker responses to
changing requirements, for example through OTA updates, while also ensuring a
consistent user experience across all digital touchpoints.
Specifically, Arene allows for the introduction of a new
generation of driver assistance systems, such as an improved Pre-Collision
System, an active lane change assistant, and a new Front Cross Traffic Alert.
Advanced geo-fencing ensures that the plug-in hybrid switches to electric mode
automatically in sensitive zones. Parking can also be managed via smartphone.
According to Toyota, by combining safety features with digital controls such as
a cloud-based navigation system and an intuitive voice assistant, a holistic
new driving experience is being created.
RAV4 as a carrier of a new software mindset
With the new RAV4, Toyota is demonstrating its strategy to
more tightly integrate software and hardware development. The plug-in hybrid
version with a new 23 kWh battery offers an electric range of up to 100
kilometres according to WLTP standards – combined with short charging times
thanks to optional DC fast-charging capability of up to 50 kW. The modified
drivetrain also contributes to improved driving dynamics, while new assistance
functions and the digital cockpit make the vehicle a flagship for Toyota’s new
software philosophy.
Toyota also speaks of an entirely new digital experience,
based on customisable user interfaces, an updated multimedia system, and
integration of the latest MyToyota app with extended remote services. This
digital extension of the vehicle experience is expected to set new standards
through features such as a more powerful voice assistant, real-time navigation,
and continuous OTA updates – according to the company.
AI and software development
In parallel with its product strategy, Toyota is also
expanding its digital capabilities at the human capital level. With the newly
launched Toyota Software Academy, the company aims to train a new generation of
AI and software experts, working in collaboration with group companies Aisin,
Denso, Toyota Tsusho, and Woven. The academy is launching with a hybrid
training model consisting of online lectures and hands-on training at
company-owned research facilities.
Toyota states that around 100 courses will cover topics such
as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, regulatory frameworks, and
software-driven vehicle development. The programme is explicitly
interdisciplinary and aims to foster both software and hardware understanding.
Particular emphasis is placed on applied learning – for example through the
development of features in real vehicles.
The
initiative is accompanied by a second strategic pillar: the Global AI
Accelerator (GAIA). This programme aims to accelerate Toyota’s internal AI
development, implementation, and capabilities. Initially, GAIA will
focus on eleven application areas, including ADAS, materials research, in-car
agents, office productivity, and robotics. In the long term, the accelerator is
expected to boost both team productivity and innovation in product development.
Focus on digitalisation
With the launch of the new RAV4 and its accompanying
software initiative, Toyota aims not only to digitally enhance its existing
products, but also to significantly modernise its development capabilities and
methodologies. The integration of the Arene platform and the founding of a
dedicated academy demonstrate that Toyota increasingly sees the car of the
future as defined by code and user experience. Whether – and how quickly – this
transformation succeeds remains to be seen. One thing is clear: by combining
innovative vehicle technology, a software-centric mindset, and a clear employee
qualification strategy, Toyota is sending a strong signal – and may well move
further up the future readiness rankings as a result.
This article was first published at automotiveit.eu
