july2022 - 10

Noregon, explained that remote programming of
ECUs initially targeted engine updates and was
becoming commonplace in the beginning of 2018.
" Fleets quickly bought into the technology, " he
added, " because they recognized the total cost of
ownership (TCO) benefits of updating their software
over the air versus waiting hours or days at
a service center for the same update. "
The technology only has accelerated since its
widespread introduction a mere four years ago,
Lackey noted. He said that OTA technology is
still most prevalent for engine modules. But as
more and more components on vehicles become
connected and gain the ability to self-diagnose
and/or " learn " better and more efficient ways to
operate, it is only a matter of time before nearly
every major component will be connected to a
network and therefore can receive OTA updates.
Navistar launched OTA software update functionality
for all engines in 2015, according to
device that would tether to a cellphone or tablet
to initiate and monitor the update on the engine.
But even though the OTA process worked with
Wi-Fi devices, the process had too many weak
links, Mallela said. It required technical expertise
to perform the OTA-something that could not
always be guaranteed.
To counter this problem, Mallela said that in
2019, Navistar-equipped on-highway vehicles
with cellular-based connectivity hardware
integrated into the vehicle cluster, providing
the seamless in-cab driver experience to initiate
and perform engine software updates and
programmable parameter updates such as max
speed. Other updates have followed; for example,
Navistar introduced idle shutdown timers in
2020. And new developments are on the horizon,
as Mallela said Navistar continues to work with
its partners to support their controllers' OTA
parameters and calibrations.
" We've invested in more seamless
technology so updates can happen
while you're sleeping-making your
next ride a better experience. "
Alex Purdy, director of business operations, enterprise connectivity, Ford Motor Co.
Srinivas Mallela, director of connected services,
for the OEM. Its journey has been typical for most
engine makers using this cutting-edge technology.
Mallela said that in 2015, Navistar OTA
updates were performed using a Wi-Fi-enabled
10 Fleet Maintenance | July 2022
OTA updates are moving into the passenger
car and light-duty vehicle segments, too. One
such example is Ford's Power-Up OTA program.
According to Alex Purdy, director of business
operations, enterprise connectivity, Ford Motor
» Ford's Power-Up software allows 6 million
connected vehicles to receive updates to
enhance user experience and performance.
Photo: Ford Pro
Co., the first Ford Power-Up software updates for
F-150 and Mustang Mach-E customers in North
America began in March, accelerating a transformation
that he said is already well underway.
Currently, he said, Ford has more than 6 million
vehicles on the road today featuring advanced,
embedded modem connectivity. New vehicles
equipped with Ford Power-Up capability identify
customer preferences and vehicle issues, which
Ford engineers then translate into quality and
capability improvements delivered through Ford
Power-Up enhancements.
" Software updates are common across billions
of connected devices but not yet for vehicles, "
Purdy noted. " Ford Power-Up software updates
will change that by quickly bringing this technology
to millions of people. We've invested in
more seamless technology so updates can happen
while you're sleeping-making your next ride a
better experience. "
For Ford, this means the new, fully networked,
second-generation electrical architecture and
advanced tech stack creates the foundation to deliver
unique Ford Power-Up software updates. These
quick and easy wireless upgrades help enhance
features, quality, experiences, capability, and convenience,
Purdy said. Capable of updating the vast
majority of vehicle computer modules-more than
80 on higher-end models-these upgrades can help
improve the ownership experience and may help
reduce the need for repair trips.
Many Ford Power-Up software updates will be
virtually invisible to customers, enabled by a tech
platform that installs much of the new software in
the background. Additionally, Purdy added, many
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