Japan's automakers chase IT tie-ups in race for driving's future

The race to transform the global auto industry has reached full throttle. Facing what has been touted as a once-in-a-century transformation, domestic carmakers are rushing to transition from conventional manufacturers into tech-driven "mobility companies" focused on CASE (connected, autonomous, shared and electric) technologies. Toyota Motor Corp. on Tuesday unveiled two revamped models -- the Crown and the Corolla Sport -- the first offerings in its lineup of so-called "connected cars" that will be able to utilize online services offered through a special communications network. The networked models, for example, allow their owners to become "friends" with them on Line. The owner can then use the messaging app to set a destination on the car's navigation system, while the car can use it to remind the driver to start on time and make sure there is enough fuel for the trip. Toyota hopes its so-called mobility service platform will allow other companies, including insurers and car-sharing services, to make use of big data to offer other services to drivers of connected cars.