Nov. 4, 2009 (Business Wire) -- The ng Connect Program today announced that the Toyota Prius, the world’s most popular hybrid vehicle, serves as the platform for the program’s first LTE Connected Car. This revolutionary concept vehicle illustrates how 4G/LTE mobile access technology and the resulting ultra high bandwidth connectivity can potentially bring a wide range of new capabilities to the automobile in years to come. Next-generation 4G/LTE networks are being deployed today and are anticipated to become commercially available in 2010.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) USA, Inc., an ng Connect Program member, participated with Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU), Atlantic Records, QNX Software Systems, chumby and Kabillion to customize the popular hybrid vehicle with state-of-the-art services. In the LTE Connected Car concept, the 2010 Toyota Prius transforms into a mobile platform where information can be easily accessed and transmitted through the use of high-bandwidth connectivity, cloud-based interactive applications and the next generation of innovative in-car computing platforms. With integrated in-vehicle systems, combining LTE hardware and advanced software for a next-generation in-vehicle experience, the LTE Connected Car provides a glimpse of the technological possibilities for future automobiles.

“The Prius is the perfect choice for our first LTE-enabled vehicle,” said Derek Kuhn, Vice President, Emerging Technology and Media Group, Alcatel-Lucent and ng Connect Program co-founder. “Recognized worldwide for its innovative design and hybrid capabilities, which support the technology leadership reflected in the LTE Connected Car, it is the ideal vehicle for this visionary project.”

The ng Connect Program’s LTE Connected Car concept vehicle offers a comprehensive menu of entertainment, infotainment and security services including video-on-demand, gaming, home control, advanced GPS navigation, as well as roadway and vehicle monitoring. Additionally, the Connected Car offers an in-car WiFi network supporting full utilization of all WiFi-enabled devices in the vehicle as well as connectivity to the cloud via LTE.

“When managing and working toward Toyota’s long-term technology vision, our eye is always first and foremost on what we hear our customers desire in their vehicle,” said Jon Bucci, Vice President, Advanced Technology Department, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), USA, Inc. “With our current offerings in the market, we aim to deliver what our drivers want today.