Telsa’s tech that allows wireless updates to cars has left most of the industry in the dust.
Analysts say the industry is playing catch-up to offer over-the-air updates (OTAs) to vehicle software as consumer demand ramps up for the cutting-edge service.
Some companies are already using OTAs, but they’re generally for non-critical systems like infotainment.
Tesla will deliver an OTA for its advanced hands-free cruise control in the coming weeks, in much the same way Apple pushes iPhone software updates to customers.
Advances made by Elon Musk’s fast-growing electric car company have shocked the automotive industry into action, strategist Oren Betzaleli for Israeli OTA specialist Redbend told Reuters.
“Today, OTA is so important to car makers that we can get in right away,” he told the agency, noting that just four years ago it was difficult to get access to VPs of manufacturing within car companies.
He said Redbend is currently “engaged” with up to 10 car companies, but would not name them.
A Honda spokesman said that carmakers were going through a “whole mindset change” as it recognised the need for OTAs.
Using the technology is considered significantly more difficult with petrol and diesel-powered vehicles than with electric cars, like Tesla’s.
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