Kenworth has introduced the Kenworth TruckTech+® Over-The-Air program, which enhances truck uptime by making it convenient for customers to load PACCAR MX engine and aftertreatment software updates. Beginning in December, select customers will get the initial phase of the release, with a full roll out to be completed in early 2020.

With this enhancement, Kenworth Class 8 trucks equipped with 2017 or newer model year PACCAR MX-13 and PACCAR MX-11 engines can receive software updates remotely. Active Kenworth TruckTech+ customers can access these updates on the PACCAR Solutions online portal, or through the PACCAR Over-The-Air mobile app available in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

“The new Kenworth TruckTech+ Over-the-Air program is an excellent benefit to customers that will increase uptime. It is very important for Kenworth to quickly provide our customers with the latest engine updates and calibrations that promote enhanced fuel economy and performance,” said Kevin Baney, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president.

The PACCAR Solutions portal provides customers with visibility to all their Kenworth trucks, truck performance data, and shows those trucks requiring updates. Once the customer approves the update, the vehicle’s software update package is automatically built and the customer receives an email when the download is ready for installation.

When a truck is parked, a member of the customer’s maintenance team or driver simply holds down the cruise control set switch for five seconds and the download begins through the secure PACCAR cloud server. The PACCAR mobile app allows monitoring of the download, and lets our customer know when the download is complete. It is expected that the secure software updates will typically take less than 30 minutes and can be accomplished when the Kenworth Class 8 truck is parked.