Renault Updates Connectivity Services via FOTA

Guidance for the Vehicle Customer via KakaoTalk

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Renault Korea Motors announced on the 15th that it will wirelessly perform the latest version update of the multimedia software for its Easy Connect system-equipped vehicles, including the XM3, SM6, Renault Zoe, and Renault Captur.

This update is carried out using the FOTA method, which upgrades software via wireless communication, and is only applied to the Easy Connect multimedia software of the target vehicles. The main updates include ▲improvements in multimedia system user stability ▲enhancements to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto UI (adding shortcut buttons at the top of the home screen) ▲and system notification improvements.

Easy Connect is Renault Korea Motors' connected car service provision system. Through Easy Connect, Renault Korea Motors customers can use real-time TMAP navigation in their vehicles, as well as in-car payment services that allow ordering, payment, and product pickup for items sold at convenience stores, cafes, restaurants, and gas stations. Additionally, in emergency situations such as vehicle accidents, customers can receive safety support call services through a 24-hour dedicated call center for emergency rescue reporting and accident handling. Various vehicle information, including remaining fuel and driving range, can be checked via smartphone, navigation destinations can be preset, and depending on the vehicle, remote start and climate control are also possible.

This wireless update, the second since last September, began sequentially from the previous day, and individual notifications will be sent to target vehicle customers via KakaoTalk alerts. Any customer driving an XM3 produced before October 12, 2023, or an SM6 produced before October 19, 2022, equipped with the 9.3-inch Easy Connect navigation can receive the update wirelessly. Additionally, Renault Zoe (ZOE) and Renault Captur (CAPTUR) vehicles equipped with either the 9.3-inch Easy Connect navigation or the 7-inch Easy Connect display audio are also included in this wireless update. However, vehicles such as the XM3 E-Tech Hybrid, which already have the latest multimedia system applied, will not receive additional updates.

This wireless update uses the LTE communication network of the Renault Korea Motors Easy Connect system, so the latest software is automatically downloaded during driving without any separate request if the vehicle ignition is turned on during the target period, without needing to visit a service network. After driving is finished and the download is complete, when the ignition is turned off, a notification popup appears on the multimedia screen, and if the customer agrees, the system automatically installs the update in about 10 minutes before shutting down. If automatic updates do not proceed smoothly due to communication environment issues, customers can also manually request the wireless update through settings. Furthermore, vehicles with software versions prior to September 2021 will receive updates in two phases.

Meanwhile, customers of vehicles without the Easy Connect system and thus unable to receive wireless updates will be separately informed about multimedia software updates through visits to service networks when updates are necessary.

Detailed information about the multimedia software wireless update is also available on the Renault Korea Motors website.