Mack & Volvo Expand Connected Services with Over-the-Air Updates

Mack completed 150,000 OTA updates in 2025, doubling the cumulative 7-year total. 80% of Mack and Volvo trucks now run the latest software. Vocational market stable in 2026, but trailer orders dropping sharply.

Mack and Volvo Lead Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates

Mack Trucks and Volvo Trucks are at the forefront of over-the-air (OTA) software update technology in the heavy-duty trucking industry.

These updates allow trucks to receive software improvements directly from the cloud, without needing to take the truck to the shop — similar to how your phone receives automatic updates.

Record Updates in 2025

Mack's AutoSend connectivity platform achieved approximately 150,000 successful OTA updates in 2025, effectively doubling the cumulative total from the preceding seven years.

This has substantially increased the proportion of eligible Mack trucks operating with the latest software, from 27% to 80%.

These updates are credited with preventing an estimated 115,000 days of downtime for customers.

Volvo Also Accelerates

Volvo Trucks North America is also accelerating its adoption of OTA updates across its connected fleet:

• Over a six-month period, the percentage of connected Volvo trucks running the latest software surged from approximately 25% to over 80%
• Successful daily updates increased significantly from around 1,000 per month to 1,000 per day
• The automated update system can deploy up to 10,000 software updates daily
• This has contributed to a 24% reduction in unplanned stops, thereby improving fleet uptime

What Do These OTA Updates Include?

Mack and Volvo over-the-air updates can include:

• Diagnostic improvements: More accurate fault detection before they cause serious problems
• Performance adjustments: Optimization of fuel consumption, torque, engine response
• Bug fixes: Solutions to known software issues
• Remote parameter adjustments: Fleets can adjust settings like road speed limits, idle configurations, without visiting the shop
• New features: Activation of features that are already installed but not enabled

Connectivity Platforms

Both manufacturers have complete ecosystems of connected services:

Mack: Connected Services Platform

• Mack® GuardDog® Connect: Predictive maintenance
• Mack OneCall: 24/7 support
• Mack Connect: Uptime service
• Mack Protect: Active safety systems
• CommandView: Situational awareness system (available for order in Mack Granite in late 2027)

Volvo: Volvo Connect

• Digital fleet management platform
• Automated OTA updates
• Remote adjustment of various vehicle parameters
• Volvo is also developing a new tractor-trailer connector to facilitate greater data exchange between trucks and trailers, aiming to establish a new North American industry standard

Vocational Truck Market in 2026

The vocational truck market (construction, municipal, utility) is expected to remain stable through 2026, driven by consistent demand from sectors such as:

• Construction
• Municipal services
• Utilities
• Waste collection
• Emergency services

However, trailer orders are dropping sharply, indicating a slowdown in the over-the-road freight segment.

What About Your Truck's Maintenance?

While OTA updates are impressive, software doesn't fix everything.

Even brand-new trucks with 0 miles don't always come perfectly aligned from the factory. We've seen new trucks with suspension, steering, and alignment issues that are only detected with a road simulator inspection.

At The Truck Savers, We Offer:

• FREE road simulator inspection — detects problems in suspension, steering, and 100+ points before they cost you money
• Computerized alignment — professional alignment machine ensures your truck is perfectly aligned, reducing tire wear and improving fuel consumption
• Full maintenance service: Suspensions, brakes, diesel oil change, power steering, tires/balancing, mufflers
• Training courses: DOT inspections, tire diagnosis, alignment (in-person in Monterrey and online)

Call us: (713) 455-5566 (Houston, TX)

Visit us at www.thetrucksavers.com

Sources: Volvo Group, Truck News, Trucking Info, Volvo Trucks