Toyota to open office in Chennai with a focus on connected cars

Toyota Connected India, a subsidiary of Toyota Connected Corporation, is expanding its global footprint with the introduction of a new office in Chennai, India. The new location is unique in that it will focus specifically on developing connected technology, including machine learning and artificial intelligence.

“Powered by cloud support and cutting-edge technology for high production and scalability, these services will enhance convenience and security for millions of Toyota customers and global affiliates,” shared GK Senthil, CTO and head of the Chennai office for Toyota Connected India.

Sentil added that the new office will focus heavily on artificial intelligence and deep learning-driven based use cases for connected car settings.

First built in Nagoya, Japan in 2000, Toyota Connected Company is committed to reconstructing mobility by connecting people, vehicles, and community via a broad range of consumer, business, and government-facing enterprises.

The Chennai-based team is expected to add more than 100 employees within the next few years. A temporary office is currently in development, with the permanent office scheduled to open in spring 2020 at IIT Madras Research Park. The Chennai facility will work in close collaboration with a current Toyota Connected India facility in Bangalore, in addition to numerous Toyota Connected offices around the world.

According to the automaker, Toyota Connected will increase Toyota’s global capabilities in the fields of vehicle data science and contextual data services. The company has undergone significant expansion in recent years, with the production of Toyota Connected North America in Plano, Texas, in 2016, and London-based Toyota Connected Europe in 2018.

“The progress that we’ve made in leveraging big data to create break-through mobility products and services has been unbelievable,” said Zack Hicks, CEO of Toyota Connected North America and chairman of Toyota Connected Europe.

“We feel that this is an optimal time to build our new office in Chennai…to expand our global footprint, besides the reach of our advanced engineering capabilities, and fuel innovation well into the future,” Hicks added.

Takahiko Ando, CEO of Toyota Connected India, agreed. He said the important focus for the new facility will be on in-vehicle infotainment and Toyota’s telematics assistance platform. By using in-vehicle equipment — such as GPS navigation and communication systems — telematics can offer drivers various information, including traffic updates, maps, news, and more.

“We are also pursuing connections with premier Indian educational institutions to leverage R&D expertise in these fields,” said Ando. He added that Toyota is attracting top talent, thanks to providing excellent compensation and benefits. “We [also offer] a great work culture, as well as a contemporary office atmosphere that will foster collaboration and discovery.”