The German car parts manufacturer ZF (www.zf.com) has joined the eSync Alliance (www.esynalliance.org), a multi-vendor initiative for Over-the-Air (OTA) update and diagnostic data solutions that could potentially save the automotive industry billions of dollars each year.

Vehicles are being developed for a digitalised future and fitted with advanced automated features; and with autonomous functions looming on the horizon, up-to-date software is crucial in ensuring road safety, cyber-security and efficiency.

However, returning vehicles to a manufacturer’s dealership or a repair shop to install the newest software is cumbersome and costly, especially for fleet operators.

Estimates by analysts suggest that the expenditure on software recalls in 2016 was $3 billion in the USA alone.

OTA updates help to minimise this expense by transmitting newer software versions directly from the cloud into the vehicle — via a data connection and with no waiting time.

The eSync Alliance, which ZF has now joined, is based around the eSync system — a platform combining both cloud and in-car components.

The platform was originally developed by Excelfore to provide secure transactions with electronic end devices installed in vehicles. In addition, the system works as a shield against threats from outside the vehicle.

It also provides a two-way communication enabling software and firmware updates over the air, plus collection of real-time diagnostics and telematics data from end devices in the vehicle.

There are currently many OTA systems competing in the market, each with specific update mechanisms. The eSync system aims to establish a unified standard.

By taking part in the Alliance, companies benefit from a simplified development environment enabled by a customisable, scalable open platform with standardised features and Application Programming Interfaces.