GM To Introduce Over-The-Air Updates Before 2020

General Motors chief executive Mary Barra has revealed the company will launch a system capable of implementing over-the-air updates before 2020.

In a conference call to analysts discussing GM’s second-quarter earnings, Barra said the automaker is developing a new electric architecture and infotainment system that will support OTA updates, similar to those used by Tesla, Autonews states.

“We are in the process of deploying a new electrical architecture, which is a pretty comprehensive undertaking, and that's well under way ... as well as a whole new generation of infotainment systems. You'll see us have that capability as we move forward,” Bara said.

According to GM spokesman Vijay Iyer, the Chevrolet Bolt already supports over-the-air updates, but they haven’t been activated by the firm.

The use of over-the-air updates in cars is tipped to explode over the coming years after Tesla introduced the technology about five years ago. Not only can such software allow owners to update infotainment and map features without taking their vehicle in for a service, but, if they follow Tesla's example, even modify the performance, too.