VTNA introduced Volvo Connect at American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition in October 2023. (Volvo Trucks via YouTube)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Volvo Trucks North America is to begin sending remote software updates to customers’ vehicles via Volvo Connect, the truck maker said March 10, including its revamped VNR regional-haul tractor and flagship VNL semi.
VTNA unveiled the remote updates for opted-in customers and VNR redesign at the American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition.
Fleet managers also will be able to change vehicle parameter settings now in Volvo Connect, including maximum road speed, pedal maximum, cruise maximum and various idle shutdown settings, the truck maker said.
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The OEM joins fellow Volvo Group subsidiary Mack Trucks in launching remote over-the-air software updates for fleets.
Remote software updates are becoming more standard as tractors become ever more sophisticated and the ability to maximize uptime for fleets through the advances becomes a key selling point, particularly on new or redesigned models such as the VNR, VNL or Mack’s upcoming overhaul of its flagship semi.
“The all-new Volvo VNL, our most connected truck ever built for the North American market, set a new industry standard,” said Magnus Gustafson, VTNA vice president of connected services. “Now, we enable customers to use the power of that connectivity to adjust parameters through the Volvo Connect portal. This offers significant fleet management value, ensuring optimal truck operation.”
“Starting with series production of the all-new Volvo VNR, we’ll transition to proactive software updates, easing fleet managers’ workload and maintaining peak vehicle performance,” he added.
Fleet management portal Volvo Connect was launched in October 2023 at American Trucking Associations’ 2023 Management Conference & Exhibition.
When Connect was launched, VTNA CEO Peter Voorhoeve said connected-vehicle technology was a key tool in unlocking efficiency and uptime improvements, likening modern trucks to “iPhones with wheels.”
Over-the-air software updates can take place while trucks are being loaded or during driver breaks, minimizing operational disruption.
Portello
When Mack launched its own OTA service at the end of February, Mack and VTNA Chief Digital Officer Nicole Portello told reporters during a virtual press conference: “The No. 1 thing we heard from [customers] was how this gets really complicated. ‘It’s a lot for me to manage these five trucks. There’s been a software update. Can you just make sure my trucks are updated?’ And we heard that time and time again from customers. ‘Just make sure it’s updated. You know, I don’t want to know the details behind them. I just want to be sure my trucks are on the latest software.’ ”
Mack’s remote maintenance enhancements set the stage for an overhaul of the truck maker’s key over-the-road tractor in April. When the semi is unveiled, Volvo Group’s two North American units will have redesigned all three of their main over-the-road tractors in less than 15 months as part of plans for a market share expansion.
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At Volvo Group’s Capital Markets Day in Dublin, Va., in November, top executives laid out plans to attain a 25% North American heavy-duty truck market share by 2030.
“Our ambition is for Volvo Trucks to have a 15% market share in North America. And it will happen,” company President Roger Alm told analysts.
VTNA won a 10.2% share of U.S. Class 8 retail sales in 2024, while Mack captured a 6.9% share, according to Wards Intelligence data. In 2023, VTNA had a 10% slice of the pie and Mack 6.8%.
