When triggered, this potentially life-saving technology is designed to automatically connect with a specialised triage contact centre where trained agents connect the vehicle occupants to the required emergency service fast – be it police, fire or ambulance.
Getting help to the scene of an emergency as quickly as possible can make all the difference.
From late 2020, select new Toyota vehicles will come fitted with connected-car capabilities thanks to a long-term partnership between leading mobility company, Toyota Motor Corporation Australia (TMCA) and Australian technology company, Intelematics.
Intelematics’ ASURE product suite will support Toyota’s Connected Safety and Security offering, including Automatic Collision Notification (ACN), SOS Emergency call (SOS) and Stolen Vehicle Tracking (SVT).
Behind the scenes, Intelematics has implemented this product suite alongside in-car technology and a contact centre partner to deliver best of the breed, Australian-based services to select vehicles.
Toyota’s new Yaris Cross is the first model offered with this technology, employing a Data Communication Module (DCM) that is designed to automatically generate an SOS emergency call to a 24/7 Emergency Call Centre and relay the location of the vehicle in the event of a trigger, if an airbag deploys, or if an occupant presses the SOS (personal duress) button located above the overhead console in the vehicle.
The trained Call Centre personnel then have the ability to assess, triage, and facilitate an accurate and fast response from emergency services, potentially saving lives as a result.
TMCA vehicles are already widely known for their quality but also the advanced level of safety technology featured therein, something of which will be even more notable with the support of Intelematics’ ASURE product suite.
Intelematics Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Owens, says this plays a crucial role in ensuring a quick response from emergency services.
“We know that time is of the essence in an emergency situation. Now, vehicle occupants will have access to one of the best emergency assistance products on the market. Intelematics is incredibly proud to partner with TMCA and to deploy our local technology and services to help them to deliver connected vehicles to Australian drivers,” Mr Owens said.
“Intelematics has a heritage in providing highly valued services to the Australian Automobile industry, and being an integral part of this program continues that tradition. The Intelematics ASURE product suite has again proven its capability in supporting large scale connected vehicle programs in local and global markets.”
Toyota Australia’s Vice President Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley said the introduction of connected services is another way to reinforce commitment to the continual improvement of safety.
“Having the ability to further protect the wellbeing of our customers through the delivery of connected safety and security services with the assistance of Intelematics’ Call Centre solutions and services is a wonderful addition to our vehicle technology,” Mr Hanley said.
About Toyota
Since its foundation in 1937, globally, Toyota has strived continuously to contribute to the sustainable development of society and the planet through its business operations. It’s a principle that we have continued since Toyota Australia started in 1963 and has helped to cement our position as Australia’s leading automotive company.
Motor vehicles greatly expand the freedom of mobility, however, we recognise that they can also have an effect on our society and the environment. With this in mind, we listen carefully to our stakeholders as we pursue a business that works towards harmony with people, society, and the global environment.
We are continuously innovating to develop vehicles that meet the needs of the market both now and into the future. Our research focuses on vehicles powered by a range of alternative fuels and vehicles with the potential for automated driving. Meanwhile, we continue to work towards vehicles that are safe for everyone, and that maintain the standards of durability and reliability that people expect from the Toyota brand.
About Intelematics
Intelematics delivers the intelligence behind connected services to keep people moving. Since its establishment in 1999, Intelematics has continually been at the forefront of the telematics industry with a presence in Australia, North America and Europe. Intelematics’ expertise is delivered via a suite of scalable, multi-tenanted solutions. This includes connected transportation services such as real-time insights and predictive services, connected motoring applications on vehicle dashboards and specialist safety and security services. Intelematics is wholly owned by RACV.
