Ficosa chooses eSync for automotive OTA updates

The eSync software will be integrated into the Ficosa aftermarket telematics control unit for multiple lines of cars from Suzuki Motor Corporation.

Vehicle production is expected to start later in 2020 by Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL), a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation and the largest domestic passenger car maker in India, with over 40% share by volume of the Indian car market.

Joan Palacin, Advanced Communications Business Unit Director at Ficosa, said, “We chose the eSync OTA platform because it provides a robust, secure vehicle-to-cloud data pipeline that is compatible with multiple operating systems and in-vehicle networks. This gives us the flexibility and scalability to adapt and grow the solution over future years, and to add OTA updating for more components, with a common platform to serve many generations of Ficosa products and OEM vehicles.”

Shrinath Acharya, CEO at Excelfore, said, “The automotive industry has woken up to the multi-billion-dollar cost of software-related recalls, and has gotten the message that OTA updates are the solution to minimise this cost, as well as minimising inconvenience to car owners.”

“In practice, automakers and Tier 1s are still wrestling with the problem of how to update all the devices, from all of the many suppliers, in their cars,” said Acharya.  “Most OTA solutions are single-company proprietary platforms, but the eSync OTA pipeline is built on a multi-company standard, offering real advantages to Tier-1s and OEMs alike.”

eSync is a multi-company specification promoted by the eSync Alliance.

It can securely deliver and update software and firmware over the air, while collecting real-time operational data from in-car devices including telematics units, ECUs (electronic control units), network gateways, and smart sensors.

With a global network of co-operating suppliers, the eSync data pipeline helps carmakers avoid costly and inconvenient vehicle recalls, and enables vehicle software and features to be updated in the field.