Mack Truck’s over-the-air updates now standard on select models

Mack Trucks’ 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 factory-equipped on models built since Nov. 30, 2020, at Lehigh Valley Operations, in Macungie, Pa., where all Mack Class 8 models for North America and export are assembled. 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,” said 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.”

Mack’s OTA – which is free for the first two years of ownership and can be extended by subscription after the two years expires – aims to offer customers the ability to implement software updates and vehicle parameter settings remotely through Mack GuardDog Connect, Mack’s fully integrated telematics platform. Driver-activated updates eliminate the need for coordination phone calls with Mack OneCall agents, and updates are completed in less than 13 minutes, greatly 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 said. “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.”