Toyota has developed a mobile phone, called TiMO, with Japanese communications company KDDI to ease the use of its car navigation and other services.

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According to Reuters, the handset will be compatible with the automaker’s Bluetooth car navigation system, has a phone battery charger that can be attached to the driver’s armrest, and an emergency button on the handset.


Toyota, which has an 11% stake in KDDI, will sell the TiMO at its 7,500 Japanese outlets, offering free downloads of music and games to buyers.


KDDI wants to introduce new services before 24 October, when mobile phone users in Japan will still be able to keep their phone numbers when they change operators.

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