The Financial Post reports in its Thursday, June 4, edition that Toyota Motor and Ford Motor are mulling a collaboration on in-vehicle software that would compete directly with Apple and Google. The Post's Kristine Owram writes that Toyota said Wednesday it is "exploring" the use of SmartDeviceLink -- an open-source version of Ford's AppLink software -- in future Toyota and Lexus vehicles. SmartDeviceLink (SDL) is an interface that allows for the integration of smart phone apps into vehicle dashboards, just like Apple's CarPlay or Google's Android Auto. Ford said it would open-source the platform two years ago in the hope that other automakers would get on board and create a customizable alternative to the tech giants' growing presence in the vehicle software market. IHS analyst Mark Boyadjis says, "Toyota adopting it is very significant because it validates the approach that Ford took, and it could help Ford and Toyota maintain control over the app ecosystem and the experience." Other automakers, however, are taking a different tack. General Motors said last week 14 Chevrolet models will be compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay beginning in the 2016 model year.