Toyota is setting up a social networking service with the help of Salesforce.com and Microsoft for drivers to interact with their cars in a way that's similar to posting on Facebook or Twitter. Toyota and Salesforce.com, announced their alliance Monday to launch "Toyota Friend," a private social network for Toyota owners.
The companies did not give details of how the technology will be managed, but officials said the answers will be automated through sensors in the car. Toyota is investing $5.5 million, Microsoft is investing $4.1 million and Salesforce.com $2.8 million in the project. Toyota's service, built on open-source cloud platforms will start in Japan in 2012, and will be offered later worldwide, initially with electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.
