Toyota is looking to extend the life cycle of its vehicles by nearly a decade through software updates. The Japanese automaker plans to capitalize on software updates to lengthen the sales cycles of flagship models to an average of nine years, as reported by Nikkei Asia.
Extending the vehicle model life cycle through software updates is viable, as automakers such as Toyota can release updates without introducing new features in a next-generation or facelifted model. In other words, new features for a given model can be released without requiring new hardware or a new vehicle.
Think of it like how Apple handles software updates for its phones, like the iPhone 11. The iPhone 11 was launched back in 2019, but it still gets Apple’s latest features, such as the ‘Liquid Glass’ look through software updates. The iPhone 11 may be considered an “old” smartphone, but its software is still up to date six years after its 2019 release.
Going back to Toyota, the Japanese automaker introduces a new model every 5 years or so, which is the typical model life cycle for most car brands. Take the Vios as an example, the first-generation Vios had a model life cycle from 2002 to 2007, while the second-generation Vios was from 2007 to 2013, and the pre-facelift third-generation Vios was from 2013 to 2019. Then, Toyota launched the facelifted third-gen Vios in 2019, followed by the current fourth-gen Vios/Ativ in 2022.
As such, a Toyota model, such as the Vios, typically has an average lifespan of 5 to 6 years. With that in mind, implementing a software update can extend the model life cycle of the current-generation Vios, as Toyota doesn’t need to introduce a new vehicle to integrate the new features.
Toyota is reportedly considering extending the life cycles of its models through software updates amid a surge in orders. Nikkei added that the high volume of orders for the Toyota Land Cruiser results in delivery times of years. By the time the vehicle is delivered, the next-generation model may already be out in the market. A longer model life cycle will also prolong the sales cycle, as popular models won’t be outdated right away.
