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

  • Will the European Electronic Tolling System serve its purpose?
    February 3, 2012
    ASECAP's Kallistratos Dionelis asks whether, despite the best intentions at the policy level, the European Electronic Tolling System can ever hope to serve the customer in the way it is intended to. Reality doesn't just happen. In many ways, reality is created. We first create or produce a reality and then we consume it; this takes time and has a cost that needs to be covered.
  • eCall mandate: a cost burden for car manufacturers?
    May 14, 2015
    The European Parliament has mandated that all newly approved car and light-van models will have to be equipped with eCall boxes as standard fitment from 31 March 2018. eCall boxes are emergency call devices enabling rescue services to respond with faster road assistance based on knowledge of the exact location of the accident. The 2014 ban on telephone roaming charges across Europe will establish a favourable scenario for an interoperable eCall or telematics solution. However, while the European Commissi
  • Autonomous vehicles, smart cities: moving beyond the hype
    February 21, 2018
    There is a lot of excited chatter about autonomous vehicles – but 2getthere’s Robbert Lohmann suggests we might need to take a step back and look realistically at what is achievable. You might be surprised that the chief commercial officer of a company delivering autonomous vehicles would begin an article with the suggestion that we need to get past the hype. And yet I do; because we have to, and urgently so. The hype prevents the development of autonomous vehicles that address actual transit needs. And
  • The growth of ITS service solutions providers
    July 26, 2012
    Econolite's new subsidiary Aegis ITS has been set up to address the increasingly complex and exacting needs of agencies in the ITS sector. Chief Operating Officer Doug Terry talks about the evolution to service solution provider. A few very notable and honourable exceptions notwithstanding, it is these days becoming increasingly rare to find a public agency which develops its own traffic management systems. Indeed, most now rely on specialist manufacturers and suppliers to fulfil their needs. This has the h