Japan's Suzuki Motor says it will start developing "software defined vehicles," or SDVs.
Owners of the next-generation smart cars can use remote software updates to extensively enhance driving performance and safety features.
Suzuki indicated that it is working with software startups and Toyota Motor, which is in a capital tie-up with Suzuki.
The SDV field is currently led by US electric vehicle giant Tesla and China's BYD, as both have already commercialized their own software platforms.
Toyota aims to put its own operating system in vehicles for global markets next year. Two other Japanese automakers, Honda Motor and Nissan Motor, are in talks to develop a shared software platform.