Skip to main content

Independent service providers call for regulatory framework on in-vehicle telematics

A broad coalition of insurance, the automotive aftermarket, leasing and consumers has joined forces to release a statement voicing their concern that consumers’ interest are not being placed at the centre of discussions around the possible technical solutions to access in-vehicle data. In addition to undermining free consumer choice, the solution promoted by some stakeholders would also undermine competition, innovation and independent entrepreneurship. The members of AFCAR: Alliance for the Freedom o
December 15, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
A broad coalition of insurance, the automotive aftermarket, leasing and consumers has joined forces to release a statement voicing their concern that consumers’ interest are not being placed at the centre of discussions around the possible technical solutions to access in-vehicle data.

In addition to undermining free consumer choice, the solution promoted by some stakeholders would also undermine competition, innovation and independent entrepreneurship.

The members of AFCAR: Alliance for the Freedom of Car Repair in Europe have been joined by Insurance Europe and Leaseurope to issue the statement.

The statement has been issued in reaction to a proposal to access in-vehicle data presented by European parts suppliers and vehicle manufacturers. This approach would channel all future communication and data access through the vehicle manufacturer’s proprietary server.

Only part of the data generated would be sent to a ‘neutral server’ and be accessible for independent operators. This solution would not allow direct communication with the vehicle and still grants vehicle manufacturers full control to decide how, when and to whom data access will be granted. The coalition believes this solution undermines vehicle owners’ right to decide who they share their data with and for what purposes.

The coalition calls upon the European Institutions to create a robust regulatory framework for an interoperable, standardised, secure and safe digital in-vehicle telematics platform, to maintain true consumer choice for all car services.

Related Content

  • August 21, 2018
    Big wheels keep on turnin’
    Many of the great and the good in the global mobility sector gathered at this year’s Movin’ On event in Montreal. Measured regulation of technologies and safety issues were major themes, reports David Arminas. *Bibendum is the original name for the Michelin Man, the symbol of the Michelin tyre company Autonomous vehicles, platooning, smart intersections and safety – these were the talking points over two-and-a-half days of the Movin’ On event in Montreal, Canada. Everyone in the mobility sector is at the
  • March 30, 2017
    ISO standard aids interoperability and data security
    Star Systems International’s Stephen Lockhart, explains how ISO 18000-6C can boost both interoperability and data security in RFID tolling applications. As more states, municipalities and agencies deploy electronic tolling solutions to generate funds and reduce congestion at tollbooths, there have been increased calls for standardisation in the industry.
  • February 3, 2012
    Cooperative infrastructure an aid to environmental aims
    Speculate to accumulate Andras Kovacs looks at how the historical focus of cooperative infrastructure on safety can be oriented to aid emerging environmental aims
  • February 2, 2012
    US IntelliDrive cooperative infrastructure programme
    The 'rebranding' of the US's Vehicle-Infrastructure Integration programme as IntelliDrive marks an effort to make the whole undertaking more accessible both in terms of nomenclature and technology. Shelley Row, director of the ITS Joint Program Office within USDOT's Research and Innovative Technology Administration, talks about the changes