Staff Reporter
[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.]
Volvo Trucks North America plans to enhance over-the-air software updates for the VNL and VNR models later in 2026 by enabling updates while no human is in the truck.
The Volvo Group division initially introduced remote software updates in 2025.
Updates will now be possible overnight, during driver breaks or while trucks are parked, with a driver able to step away from the vehicle for the first time.
“We are always striving to maximize our customers’ uptime, and this is an important milestone,” said Peter Voorhoeve, VTNA president. “Drivers will be able to start a software update, lock the truck and walk away, whether that’s for a break or at the end of the day, and return to an updated vehicle. It’s a simpler way for fleets to keep trucks current without interrupting operations.”
Remote software updates are becoming more standard as tractors grow more sophisticated and the ability to maximize fleet uptime through the advances becomes a key selling point, particularly on new or redesigned models such as the VNR or VNL.
VTNA said the remote updates have led to a 24% reduction in unplanned stops since being introduced.
Remote software updates enable connected systems to aid engine performance, the transmission and battery management.
VTNA carried out more than 18,000 over-the-air software updates in May, with its Volvo Connect system capable of dispatching up to 10,000 updates per day to customers.
(Volvo Trucks North America)
Fleet management portal Volvo Connect was launched in October 2023 at American Trucking Associations’ 2023 Management Conference & Exhibition.
VTNA unveiled remote updates for opted-in customers as well as a VNR redesign at the 2025 Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition.
A year earlier at the 2024 TMC annual meeting, the truck maker showcased the revamped VNL — its flagship on-highway tractor — for the first time.
The revamped VNL and VNR are key cogs in Volvo Group’s ambitions to win a 25% share of the North American heavy-duty truck market by 2030. VTNA is expected to contribute 15% of that total and sister company Mack Trucks 10%.
Mack also offers remote over-the-air software updates for fleets. The truck maker has overhauled its on-highway lineup during the past few quarters, launching the Pioneer and Keystone models and revamping the Anthem and Granite models.
Subscribe Gift a Subscription 
80 M Street SE, Suite 800, Washington, D.C., 20003
703-838-1770
Leave a Reply