International Trucks has announced plans to offer an over-the-air (OTA) reprogramming feature for engine control modules (ECMs) of certain engines. In a company statement, the Navistar-owned truckmaker said that it had completed initial testing of its fleet, and testing of customers' fleets was due to be completed in fall 2015. The technology is due to be launched in early 2016 in International's 2017 model-year trucks powered by the company's N9, N10 and N13 proprietary engines. "Over-the-air reprogramming in International Trucks will revolutionise the way our customers' trucks are serviced and maintained. This is another important example of how our connected vehicle leadership is paving the way for future advancements that will drive improvements in vehicle uptime and real-world, bottom-line results for our customers," Navistar president Bill Kozek said in the announcement. The OTA reprogramming of the trucks' ECMs will enable the drivers or fleet managers to use a mobile interface to initiate reprogramming, to be performed at the customer's facility over safe, secure WiFi connection. International Trucks says it is partnering with "industry-leading data and technology companies" to ensure system security. "OTA lays the groundwork for a pipeline of connected vehicle services such as partner engine and component calibration updates, body control module updates and future cellular capabilities," said Mike Cerilli, general manager of Navistar's connected vehicle business. "These and future advancements will provide improved customer uptime, fuel efficiency and other benefits that will drive added value for customers."
Significance: OTA updates are only recently entering the automotive industry, with Tesla the first automaker to install the technology in passenger vehicles, with Ford also signalling development of such a system. Automakers are only slowly implementing the feature, looking to ensure safety and security first. International claims it will be the first manufacturer to use the technology in the trucking industry.
