Volvo Trucks North America has completed the rollout of unattended over-the-air software updates across the United States and Canada, giving fleet operators and drivers a new way to keep vehicles current without interrupting daily operations.
The new functionality allows drivers to initiate a software update, lock the truck, and leave while the update is completed. Updates can take place during a break, rest period, or overnight stop, reducing the need for dealership visits and minimizing operational downtime.
According to Volvo, the technology is now available across its truck population in North America following the company's announcement of enhanced remote programming capabilities earlier this year.
Software has become an increasingly important component of modern commercial vehicles, influencing systems ranging from engine performance and transmissions to battery management. Volvo says over-the-air updates enable improvements and optimizations to be delivered after a truck has entered service, helping fleets maintain peak performance without scheduling maintenance appointments.
Peter Voorhoeve, President, Volvo Trucks North America, emphasized the role of software in improving vehicle productivity and uptime.
“Technology makes our customers operations more productive,” said Voorhoeve. “As software plays a greater role in improving uptime, updating the software should be as easy and convenient as possible. Now a driver can lock and leave their truck while the update runs during a break and return to a truck that is up to date and ready to go to work.”
Volvo reports that its connected vehicle technologies, including over-the-air updates, remote diagnostics, and predictive service tools, have helped customers avoid more than 100,000 days of unplanned downtime. The company also noted that over the past six months, the percentage of connected trucks operating with the latest software increased from 25 percent to more than 80 percent.
The company's latest truck platforms, including the all-new Volvo VNL and all-new Volvo VNR, feature a 24-volt electrical architecture designed to expand vehicle connectivity and increase the amount of operational data available for remote diagnostics and maintenance planning.
Volvo said trucks running the latest software experience 24 percent fewer unplanned stops. Data collected from more than 220,000 connected Volvo trucks operating throughout North America also helps identify developing issues before they result in roadside events or service interruptions.
Nicole Portello, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer, Volvo Trucks North America, highlighted the long-term value of vehicle connectivity and data analytics.
“A connected truck keeps improving long after it leaves the dealership. The data coming from these trucks helps us identify where we can get ahead of a potential fault code today, while also giving our engineers insights that can help shape the next generation of Volvo trucks,” commented Portello. “For fleets, the goal is not simply more data, it is providing actionable information they can use to improve their operations.”
Volvo Trucks North America is headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, and is one of the leading heavy-duty truck manufacturers in North America. The company supports customers through a network of nearly 400 authorized dealers across the continent and the 24/7 Volvo Trucks Uptime Center. Its primary manufacturing facility is located in Dublin, Virginia, and the company offers a range of diesel, alternative-fuel, and all-electric commercial vehicles.
For more information, visit www.volvotrucks.us.