Mack Trucks announced that its driver-activated Mack® Over The Air (OTA) updates feature is now standard on the Mack Anthem®, Pinnacle™ and Granite® models, enabling customers to implement software updates themselves at a time when it’s most convenient for them.
The driver download activation feature is on models built beginning November 30, 2020, at Lehigh Valley Operations, in Macungie, Pennsylvania. Macungie is where Mack assembles all of its Class 8 models and export for North America. Software retrofits for 2019 model year and later Anthem, Pinnacle, and Granite models also are available.
“Mack continually looks for new ways to develop solutions that help improve our customers’ total cost of ownership,” says David Pardue, vice president of connected vehicle and contract services for Mack Trucks. “Driver-activated Mack Over The Air updates, the next evolution in remote programming, allows flexibility along with the ability for customers to initiate software updates and the setting of vehicle parameters when it’s most suitable to their schedules.”
This service is free for the first two years of ownership, and drivers can extend it by subscription afterward.
MACK OTA
Mack OTA set the standard for remote programming when launched in 2017, and the driver activation feature further enhances capability. OTA offers customers the ability to implement updates and vehicle parameter settings remotely through Mack GuardDog® Connect, Mack’s telematics platform. Driver-activated updates eliminate the need for coordination phone calls with Mack OneCall™ agents. Additionally, updates complete in less than 13 minutes, reducing the amount of time the customer previously needed for updates.
“With this driver-activated feature, fleets can conduct onboard updates via the truck’s instrument cluster, offering customers greater flexibility and efficiency,” Pardue says. “Each customer identifies who is able to activate the update, whether it’s the driver who receives notification that an update is available through the instrument cluster, or a designated technician who activates the update via a unique password.”
DRIVER-ACTIVATED OTA
Mack OneCall agents remain available 24/7 to assist whenever needed for scheduling and activating updates.
Multiple vehicles can simultaneously receive the updates.
Mack conducted thousands of internal tests before launching a successful four-month, two-phase pilot program with 15 fleets. During that time, Mack successfully conducted more than 500 driver-activated updates on each truck, resulting in zero issues.
Owners can retrofit the driver-activated feature on Mack model year 2019 and newer vehicles through Mack Premium Tech Tool. The Tech Tool is a Windows-based application designed to test, calibrate, and program engine parameters.
Through OTA, Mack customers can also set an extensive list of vehicle parameters. This includes maximum road speed as well as multiple idle shutdown parameters and kits. It also includes parameters that control the Mack mDRIVE™ automated manual transmission.
The system also enables drivers to download and install software updates used to continuously enhance product performance at their convenience.
OTA parameter changes also are available for previously purchased vehicles with Mack EPA 2017 engines.
Find out more about driver-activated updates for Mack Over The Air, visit your local Mack dealer or www.macktrucks.com.
