[New Toyota Corolla] Will future Toyota cars be based on display audio? … Connected function

The new Toyota "Corolla / Corolla Touring" announced on the 17th has major changes in the connected functions. From the user's point of view, the usability does not seem to change much, but I think it is significant that display audio is installed as standard when looking at future vehicle AV equipment and telematics functions.

First, organize the connected functions such as the navigation equipment of the new Corolla and T-Connect. Regarding the navigation and AV functions, the standard equipment is only the display audio (DA) that works with smartphones, instead of the conventional stationary navigation body that is genuinely installed or optional, or the one that you purchased yourself. ..

One of the reasons for adopting only DA is the recent boom in large navigation screens. The limit for 2DIN size screens is 7 inches and 8 inches, but the current situation is that the screen size is insufficient as the amount of information and needs on the navigation screen increases. Users also appreciate the large screens of 10 inches or more, and the manufacturer's genuine navigation system is becoming a dedicated screen with an original design instead of a DIN size.

The other is that Toyota has adopted DA to meet the diversifying needs. For AV navigation needs, there are variations such as manufacturers, dealer options, and third-party support, such as "I want to use the navigation and audio source of Google Maps and smartphone apps" and "I don't need navigation because I have a smartphone". It is also an indication of the intention to respond in a targeted manner.

Responding to diverse needs does not mean responding only to new ones. For users who prefer the conventional stationary navigation system and do not know the navigation system of the app, but rather troublesome, it is possible to install the navigation system equivalent to the T-Connect navigation system installed in the Crown and Corolla Sport in the form of a "navigation kit". (T-Connect standard). T-Connect Navi (Hybrid Navi) can provide advanced route guidance in cooperation with external information from the Toyota Smart Center, but if this function is not required, a plan called T-Connect Entry is also available.

If you don't need genuine installation or retrofit navigation, you can use the navigation app by linking your smartphone etc. to DA with the basic configuration of DA (+ DCM: communication module) only. The navigation apps that can be used are car NAVITIME and LINE car navigation. The LINE car navigation system is compatible with Toyota's SDL (SmartDeviceLink) on September 5. You can use "Clover", which is an AI agent of LINE, and you can set navigation by voice recognition and operate LINE messages (send / receive, message composition, etc.). You can also use LINE functions and services for playing music and chatting with clover.

If you want to use CarPlay and Android Auto, you need to purchase the optional full-segment TV kit (30,000 yen excluding tax).

In addition, although there are some quirks in the route guide for application-based navigation, Toyota's navigation engine for route search is used for LINE car navigation. However, since the GPS antenna used is that of a smartphone, it is necessary to pay attention to the location. Car NAVITIME is a unique engine, but it has a good track record of guidance accuracy and should not be a problem for those who are accustomed to it.

The T-Connect plan system has also been renewed. The biggest change is that the free period of the basic service is now 5 years. The free period of the T-Connect plan set for "Corolla Sport" was three years. If you change your car within 5 years, you don't have to worry about the service usage fee of the connected function.

However, some functions of T-Connect are treated as options, and a separate usage fee will be charged. The T-Connect, which was set for the Crown and Corolla Sport, has an airbag-linked emergency notification function (help net), maintenance and advice functions based on driving logs (e-care), remote door lock / hazard lighting (marker search), and alarms.・ Functions such as vehicle position tracking, security guard dispatch (My Car Search Plus), operator service, and operator service Plus (with reservation service) can be used.

Among the new Corolla, My Car Search Plus, Operator Service, and Operator Service Plus are treated as options.