We've known for a long time that over-the-air updates (OTAs) — software reflashes transmitted directly to connected vehicles — will migrate from luxury to mainstream brands. We just didn't know which mass-market automakers would press the button first.
Now we do: Ford, General Motors and Volkswagen.
In October, Ford announced that starting next year, all of its new or significantly redesigned vehicles will be able to receive OTAs for most onboard computer modules. Initially, Ford will use OTAs solely to update and add features to a vehicle's infotainment system.
Eventually, Ford says, over-the-air reflashes will include fixes that respond to recalls and update critical safety systems. Such repairs now require customers to bring their cars and trucks to a dealership's service department.
GM says it will expand OTAs beyond infotainment systems with the new electrical architecture that debuted this year on the Cadillac CT5 and will appear on the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette. GM says it will be able to deliver OTAs to most of its vehicles by 2023.
Volkswagen's rollout of OTAs starts next year on its electric vehicles.