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

  • Governments must look beyond short-term spending of public funds
    February 2, 2012
    Phil Pettitt, Chief Executive of innovITS, the UK's ITS Centre of Excellence, argues that governments need to look beyond the short-term when looking to pump-prime economic recovery with public funds. It seems, in the current economic climate, that a 'good' day is one in which no company is announcing job cuts or going into administration. Consumer demand is down and businesses are retrenching, cutting costs and fretting over the consequences of shrinking opportunities and order books. It has not been this
  • Leonardo addresses new mobility trends
    October 19, 2022
    Italy-headquartered Leonardo outlines why, and how, the company is at the forefront of more effective, efficient, and sustainable mobility - a top European priority - through investments in the Next Generation EU programme, aimed at achieving energy and climatic objectives.
  • Hawaii backs road user charging to replace fuel tax
    August 7, 2019
    Fuel tax revenue in Hawaii is falling - and even in paradise, someone has to pay. Adam Hill talks to Hawaii DoT’s Scot Uruda about a major change in the way the state funds road improvements All over the world, governments, transportation agencies and local authorities are casting around for new forms of revenue as the money from taxes imposed on fuel begins to trickle away. Spending is outstripping tax take as a combination of more efficient internal combustion engines and the increasing take-up of cars
  • Trends in automotive technology
    March 14, 2012
    Continental has become a leading player in vehicle technology and telematics. The firm’s executive board chairman Elmar Degenhart describes to Jason Barnes Continental’s views on the ‘megatrends’ of the automotive industry Strategic moves to diversify Continental’s business from rubber-related products began in the late 1990s with the acquisition of ITT Teves and its brake business. This brought on board know-how relating to the then new electronic stability control (ESC) systems which today form an import