2013 Software Update

[gieso]

Does anyone know of an automobile manufacturer who has ever retrofit a functional enhancement other than safety or a bug fix into a prior model year?

Volvo does SW updates on old vehicles all the time. Most are pretty benign and you really don't have a mechanism to tell what bug fixes are included, but pretty much once a year, my 1999 S80 gets a SW update.

I agree that changes need to be regression tested, but assuming good software design, some of the convienience systems (a setting for a different cold weather ICE assist) could be rolled out with less testing involved than inclusion of changes to a more complex subsystem (battery management, motor control, etc.).

If GM is going to play in the high tech world of SW, they will need to provide a means to test and roll out software updates.

This is also a means for GM to generate additional revenue, so they can cover the development and testing cost. Personally, I would pay for an upgrade to include features like Hold mode or a choice of cold weather ICE engagement. I might even consider a software maintainance contract that provides updates when they become available.

[GeorgeH]

Does anyone know of an automobile manufacturer who has ever retrofit a functional enhancement other than safety or a bug fix into a prior model year?

Ford was the first manufacturer to do it, and that was this year. They rolled out a huge refresh of their MyTouch software for their Sync system. It added substantial new functionality, and was available for all the model years supporting the touch interface.

It was a BIG deal in the industry because it was the first time a car manufacturer took the position of providing functional updates, as opposed to bug fixes. A lot of the industry is watching how it shakes out. (I'm sure GM is, too.)

Tesla has also said they intend to regularly add functionality to their on-board systems. (Their cars, much like the Volt, are largely software driven.)

So... its starting to happen. GM's never been known for being first to the party, so I'm certainly not holding my breath. Hold mode would be nice, but they're just as capable of upgrading the radio to not be four years behind in technology, too... and adding streaming bluetooth and better overall handling of things like contacts, etc, would be a huge update. (That is what Ford was doing, focusing in massively improving the in-car entertainment system, etc.) But I'll be shocked to see GM do it without being dragged kicking and screaming by the rest of the industry.

[Davem9586]

My wife's 2010 hybrids sync was up dated by me twice in 2010 by downloading the sync software. So it wasn't just this year.

[Fulgerite]

There's no button for the hold...

MrEnergyCzar

Huh? I would assume you hit the same mode button you use to select mountain or sport... It would just have one more mode in the menu list: Normal, Sport, Hold, Mountain.

[Red Volt]

Yes, GM should have a "hold feature" (ok, they will soon). I'd like to use it on occasion. I'd love it if I could get it on my 2011. And I'd vote for it mostly for the cold weather.

[GeorgeH]

My wife's 2010 hybrids sync was up dated by me twice in 2010 by downloading the sync software. So it wasn't just this year.

Those were minor updates. The update this year was a wholesale upgrade of the entire system, adding substantial new (not tweaked) functionality. Think upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 -- it was that substantial.

Eventually things like that will be the norm, but it'll be a while. Its in the best interest of companies like GM to roll out updates like that. Its a source of recurring revenue, and helps maintain used car value. People likely to cycle a new car out every 3-4 years will likely continue to do that, but if the vehicle they're trading retains 20% more value, that helps everyone involved.

And, in case GM is reading this, I'd happily pay a few hundred bucks for a 2013 update to the systems in the car. Give me hold mode, give me a real fully functional bluetooth stack, and make the car remember my drive mode when I turn it off.

I'd *gladly* pay a few hundred, maybe $500 for upgrades like that, especially if it gets map updates, too.

[John_Hatchett]

Software updates will help maintain the resale value of the vehicle which in turn supports the new sale value of the vehicle. This is my first return to GM after 20 years. I hope they support me and others like me.

[Voltmeister]

I second this totally!

I posted this here (http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread....303#post157303), but it might be worth another mention.



By the way, how do you "sanctify" a customer? Sounds scary! :-)

[cab]

We purchased a Volvo XC60 this year which came with their new "Sensus" system (introduced in the 2011 model). Volvo just released Sensus "3.0" with flyers and everything to their dealers. It added some trip mileage logic functionality, fixed some bugs, and added a few more minor features. The dealers will install it at regularly scheduled service intervals (i.e. as opposed to a "special" software update visit - unless the owner reports a specific issue addressed by 3.0). The changes introduced aren't life altering but they are there.

[Arkansas_Volt]

It would be more applicable to compare the Volt to the iPhone when the Volt gets an internet connection.

I do believe that updates will be much more likely once the cars at least have wifi to connect to our smartphone/tablet/mifi hotspots.