Volvo Trucks' new parameter updates expands over-the-air offerings
Volvo Trucks’ newest series of parameter updates supplements its newly-launched Parameter Plus subscription package, which allows for up to 50 parameter updates annually per covered vehicle. With over 250 parameters to choose from, this new set of updates will provide customers with notable value in terms of cost savings, fuel efficiency and uptime.
“The enhancements we’ve made to our range of available parameter updates demonstrates Volvo Trucks’ commitment to maximizing uptime for our customers through best-in-class connectivity capabilities,” said Ashraf Makki, product marketing manager at Volvo Trucks North America. “Our customers are already seeing the value in the recently introduced Parameter Plus package, which allows owners to switch between operating modes remotely, balancing fuel usage and performance to optimize the truck’s transport assignment and maximize profitability. These updates will only add to that value.”
This new release of the parameter updates increases the potential of the nearly 17,000 Volvo trucks benefiting from OTA update capabilities, delivering a high level of accuracy and efficiency, as well as offering enhanced flexibility and optimization. The new packages include over 250 updates in categories including road speed, cruise control, transmission, idle shutdown, and fuel economy.
Included in these enhancements is comfort shift, a software package that provides smooth launches when load shifting must be minimized, giving drivers a trouble-free start, changed gear shift strategy and gentler drive. Idle shutdown is another area of control being offered, giving authority over minimum and maximum time allotted for idleness.
A supplement to Volvo’s Remote Programming, the Parameter Plus package that was introduced in March 2019 was designed with feedback from customers to meet the demands of their applications via over-the-air updates while increasing uptime. Average industry time for typical parameter and software updates can require two or more days of downtime, along with the added administration and costs of acquiring a supplementary truck and managing additional driver logistics. The Parameter Plus package with OTA powertrain software updates can be completed in under 20 minutes and parameter updates in under 10 minutes.