Carmaker Volkswagen is introducing new over-the-air update capabilities for its ID range of cars, saying it’s taking “the next big step towards becoming a software-oriented mobility provider.”

From this summer, the brand will regularly send software updates wirelessly to models in its ID range of vehicles which, it says, makes it the first and only high-volume manufacturer to make this technology available to its customers on a broad basis.

Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand: “Volkswagen is moving up a gear when it comes to digitalisation. After the successful roll-out of our all-electric ID. family, the brand is once again leading the movement: we are creating a totally new, digital customer experience with new functions and greater comfort – every twelve weeks.”

The first update for the all-electric ID. models comes with many functional changes including light functionalities, optimised surroundings recognition and dynamic main beam control, improved operability and design modifications for the infotainment system, as well as performance and stability improvements.

The software updates are delivered via mobile data transfer, straight to the central high-performance computers in the ID. models. In the case of cars based on the modern MEB platform, these take on functions that were previously distributed across a host of control units in earlier vehicle generations.

VW says that with Over-the-Air Updates of the software, it is laying the foundations for new business models. In the future, customers will no longer need to decide on functions for their car when purchasing the car – or which configuration will make for a higher resale value. This is because the hardware will be standardised to a great extent. In the future, additional functions and innovative technology can be added later via software updates.

(Picture – Volkswagen)