Japanese car maker Toyota is enhancing its connectivity by combining it with Canadian firm Geotab’s telematics, AI and data capabilities to support the development of fleet technologies.

The initial scope focuses on specific regions and use cases, with development progressing in phases.

The alliance addresses critical global and regional problems, including the operational shifts required in markets such as Japan, driven by an aging population and driver shortages.

By integrating vehicle data through approved connectivity architectures, the collaboration aims to combine Toyota Connected’s platforms with Geotab’s software ecosystem to support fleet insights and operations.

“This alliance allows Geotab to work closely with Toyota Connected, combining its connectivity technologies and platforms with Geotab’s own technology and partner ecosystem,” said Sherry Calkins, senior vice president at Geotab (www.geotab.com). “Together, we are delivering unmatched global growth opportunities and the highest quality vehicle data insights available.”

The scope includes telematics devices, white-labelled software services, APIs and data ingestion integrations, with additional long-term plans to develop deeply integrated, joint offerings. This includes access to vehicle data through API integrations enabled by Toyota’s connectivity platforms, subject to regional availability. It should see seamless integration of authorised third-party tracking devices using Geotab’s data ingestion gateway.

G-Fleet+ is a white-labelled version of the Geotab platform and Go Device, tailored for Toyota, offering access to Geotab’s data ecosystem combined with Toyota’s connectivity and fleet service capabilities.

“Toyota Connected is focused on supporting the industry and the communities we serve by improving how mobility services are delivered,” said Makoto Ito from Toyota Connected (toyotaconnected.co.jp). “By working with Geotab, we can combine our connectivity technologies and platforms with a proven data ecosystem to better serve fleet customers across both Toyota and non-Toyota vehicles.”

• Geotab has acquired Link Labs (www.link-labs.com), a Maryland-based company specialising in asset tracking technology. Link Labs has spent more than a decade building IoT location technology that enables organisations to locate and monitor high-value assets with precision at low cost and at scale. Used by organisations spanning large enterprise, hospitality, construction and beyond, Link Labs brings technology and deep domain expertise to Geotab’s growing connected operations platform.