The OTA solutions are designed to enable drivers to update software and parameters at any time, from anywhere they have cellular service, increasing convenience for drivers while improving uptime. Both Volvo’s new Driver Display Activation service and Mack’s driver-activated OTA update program will be available in the fourth quarter.
With the new Driver Display Activation, when parameters or software updates are available, an icon will flash on the instrument cluster screen. At the next planned stop, the driver can activate the update via the truck’s instrument cluster and be back on the road again within minutes, Volvo says.
“With the introduction of Volvo Trucks’ new Driver Display Activation, the process time for software and parameter updates has been improved by an average of 50 percent,” says Ash Makki, product marketing manager, Volvo Trucks North America. “Now, from customer initiation to completion, an update can be done in less time than a driver typically takes for a break or fill up.”
Additionally, the new service means that instead of scheduling an appointment to complete uploads, drivers can completely upgrade the software and parameters on their own, from anywhere, without the need for personal assistance from a Volvo Action Services team member. However, agent assistance will still be available through Volvo Trucks’ Uptime Center in Greensboro, North Carolina.
“We still have agents who follow the success of each update. We believe in having real people behind our technology 24/7,” Makki says.
“Mack Over The Air was a game-changer, allowing for remote programming based on the customers’ schedules,” says David Pardue, vice president of connected vehicle and contract services, Mack Trucks. “Driver-activated software updates are the next evolution of this solution, giving customers even greater control over how and when their updates occur and allowing for updates to multiple trucks at one time.”
In addition to system updates, Volvo says its Driver Display Activation allows drivers and fleets to change parameters on the truck to alter the vehicle’s performance. Volvo Trucks leads the industry in the number of truck parameters that can be adjusted over the air. Parameters for various applications can be customized and packaged in kits that can set maximum road speed, cruise speed limit, shift patterns, idle shutdown time, etc. This ensures the truck is optimally configured for the environment in which it is operating, the company says.
Also via Mack Over The Air, Mack says it offers Mack Parameter Plus, a package that enables customers to make up to 50 parameter updates per 12-month period on all model year 2018 and newer Mack vehicles equipped with Mack GuardDog Connect. Previously, customers were limited to just two parameter updates per year as part of their Uptime contract subscription. There is no limit for Mack-initiated software updates used to continuously enhance product performance, Mack says.
“Mack Parameter Plus enables customers to cost effectively bundle parameter updates without interruption to their schedules while the parameters are set,” Pardue adds “Parameters can be set as long as the key is in the ignition and the truck is parked, so the customer dictates timing.”
Along with setting the maximum road speed, other parameters include the shifting of the engine into economy mode or performance mode. Mack Parameter Plus also is available for previously purchased vehicles with Mack EPA 2017 engines, the company says.
