GM to Add Over-the-Air Update Capability

General Motors Co. will launch a new electrical architecture and infotainment system capable of over-the-air software updates before 2020.

The development process is “well under the way” for the new systems, according to CEO Mary Barra. She made the comments during a conference call today with analysts to discuss GM’s second-quarter earnings.

GM has long utilized over-the-air updates (OTA) to enhance its OnStar telematics service. But this would be the first time it expands the practice to the car’s main infotainment system.

California-based Globetouch Inc. yesterday announced it is working with GM and Verizon Telematics to integrate its GControl connected vehicle platform with OnStar. It isn’t clear if the partnership also will cover GM’s next-generation electrical architecture and infotainment system.

Tesla Inc. began using OTA for its electric vehicles in 2015. Since then several other carmakers have launched or announced plans for similar systems. Ford Motor Co. introduced its first OTA application in May to retrofit smartphone connectivity in 2016-model vehicles.

Remote updating allows carmakers to quickly and inexpensively provide customers with enhanced features and address some software-related recalls. But critics warn there also can be increased cybersecurity risks with OTA systems.