Volvo Trucks is preparing to launch a new unattended over‑the‑air update capability that will allow fleets to install software without interrupting daily operations.
According to the company, the feature builds on the company’s remote programming platform and is designed to help fleets keep vehicles current while reducing the need for scheduled shop time.
The company said drivers will be able to initiate an update, lock the truck, and walk away—whether for a break or at the end of a shift—returning to a fully updated vehicle. Volvo Trucks expects the feature to streamline how fleets manage software across large, mixed‑duty operations.
The new functionality is enabled by Volvo Trucks’ connected 24‑volt platform in North America. The company said the rapid expansion of over‑the‑air updates has already resulted in more than 80 percent of connected Volvo trucks operating on the latest software, contributing to a 24 percent reduction in unplanned stops.
Volvo Trucks noted that over‑the‑air updates support continuous improvements to critical vehicle systems, including engine performance, transmission behavior, and battery‑management strategies. These updates are dispatched at scale: the company completed more than 18,000 updates in May alone, with systems capable of delivering up to 10,000 updates per day across its connected fleet.
While similar capabilities are becoming common in the passenger‑vehicle market, Volvo Trucks said the impact is far greater in heavy‑duty applications, where trucks often operate eight to eleven hours per day. Any reduction in downtime directly improves fleet productivity and maintenance efficiency.
The company said the unattended update feature will be available later this year as part of its ongoing investment in uptime services and connected‑vehicle support.
Volvo Trucks North America, headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, is a leading manufacturer of heavy‑duty trucks for long‑haul, regional‑haul, and vocational applications. The company supports customers through a network of nearly 400 authorized dealers and the 24/7 Volvo Trucks Uptime Center. Every Volvo truck for the North American market is assembled at the New River Valley plant in Dublin, Virginia. Volvo Trucks is part of the global Volvo Group, which provides complete transport solutions across more than 130 countries.