‘Legislation is needed to unlock the innovation that will benefit consumers’
‘The biggest challenge with vehicle data is the lack of sector-specific legislation regulating this data flow, which results in an uneven level playing field. Many consumers are not aware of the connected capabilities of their vehicles or how it is being used. Legislation would widen the opportunities for consumers in the connected world.
Our recent consumer survey shows that the deployment of connected vehicles is slower than expected and that consumers generally fail to see the potential of the new technology. Their expectations are broadly the same with connected cars as with traditional car technology: increased road safety and less congestion. Legislation is needed to ensure a level playing field and unlock the innovation that will benefit consumers. It will be instrumental in supporting smarter and more sustainable mobility, thus reaching the Fit for 55 ambitions.
Data privacy risks still remain, and consumers should be aware of where their vehicle data is going, to whom, and for what purpose. Furthermore, consumers should have the right to decide whether they want to share this data in the first place.’
‘This journey can’t be done alone’
‘We as CARUSO empower our customers to easily build life-improving solutions based on data from connected cars. On our platform we offer harmonized multi-brand in-vehicle data of different vehicle manufacturers in one location, ready to use. What drives us? We see a high rise in consumer demand for connectivity solutions, bound to sustainability and digitalization. We have learned in the past that this journey can’t be done alone. It is only possible if different market players work together. With our strong network and support from the market we are able to drive this innovation with technical improvements. For the future these developments will continue to reshape the automotive industry, leading to safer, more efficient, and personalized transportation experiences.’
‘We need sector-specific regulation’
‘Vehicle manufacturers currently have exclusive access to data from vehicles and are increasingly offering data-based services. Competing services are dependent on the willingness of their competitors to provide these data on acceptable terms. This is not an attractive competitive environment for venture capital and innovation. Sector-specific regulation can change this. What is important is transparency regarding the available data for each vehicle, fair access to data and resources for all market participants and a common dataset that all vehicles support as far as possible, provided the technical prerequisites are met.’
‘Vehicle data for the benefit of all’
‘Huge amounts of data are produced, but very little data is made available to service providers. The challenge is to get access to a consistent data set of the quality needed to deliver the services. Today, only a few data points, such as current mileage, are available across manufacturers. In-vehicle app platforms such as Android Automotive create opportunities for service delivery, but the risk is that manufacturers will seek to restrict this access. FIGIEFA is advocating for sectoral legislation to address these concerns. Enabling access to vehicle data, functions and resources will allow the development of a rich ecosystem of mobility services for the benefit of all.’
‘There must be standards!’
‘The enormous variety of data is a huge challenge and must therefore be standardised urgently so it can serve as an economically successful model for process participants downstream from the manufacturers, such as the parts trade, garages and end consumers. This will mean that the prevention of monopolistic activities and integration into software systems across all user profiles can only be implemented in a logical, easy to understand and useful way. One prerequisite for making complex data structures usable comprises forming ‘simple’ and ‘system-relevant’ data containers for them. Key words such as ‘secure’, ‘clean’ and ‘comfortable’ only hold true as realisation goals for the broad environment of service-providing competitors if they can be implemented subject to a clear legal right and sensible data protection framework – including from an international competitive point of view.’
‘Added value such as predictive maintenance’
‘The data generated in a vehicle can make traffic more efficient and safer. Evaluation of vehicle data also allows digital services to be developed. If data is to be stored in a cloud structure – of course only with the express permission of the user – modern processes based on artificial intelligence create added value, including e.g. the benefits that come about from predictive maintenance of the vehicle. An important aspect of data use for us as a development partner is in the evaluation and interpretation of data from our components. They enable a continuous improvement process regarding functionality, comfort and service life. The key aspect for all these approaches is an ecosystem in which data are shared and made available in a secure, collaborative and trustworthy environment.’
‘We need fair market conditions’
‘Access to vehicle data is a central factor affecting the competitiveness of lots of companies active in the aftersales market. The economic relevance of data access is increasing with the rise of connectivity. This is why one of the biggest challenges regarding access to vehicle data is to create fair market conditions within the framework of comprehensive European legislation.
The EU Data Act, which already applies to all products that generate data and is still going through the legislative process, is not far-reaching enough to achieve this. To create uniform competition conditions, we need sector-specific regulation in time for the Data Act. Only in this way can we ensure that it is not just the manufacturers who have access to the data but third parties involved in the market can also vie for the business of the vehicle user and their data.
Without a specific legal framework, both the third parties involved in the market and also consumers will face significant disadvantages. The ADAC thinks that fair competition in the car aftersales market can only be guaranteed through relevant regulation. Furthermore, this will also mean that the data can also be better used for other purposes to benefit society as a whole.’
‘Reliable data is crucial’
‘The number of e-vehicles in Germany is steadily increasing. So is the number of charging points. Access with digital solutions has arrived in practice. Range anxiety is no longer an issue. E-mobility is catching on and the pace of change is impressive. Reliable data, digital services and easy access to the infrastructure throughout the country are crucial for this. The transport transition will only succeed if it is conceived together with the energy transition and if political framework conditions fuel it and do not hinder it. All stakeholders should pull together and have the same goal in mind. The moment to switch to e-mobility has never been better!’
‘Data markets that function together’
‘With the ADAXO concept, the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) has developed a market-ready process to access vehicle-generated data that makes the mission of the German automotive industry – to create jointly functioning data markets – a reality. The ADAXO (Automotive Data Access, Extended and Open) concept guarantees the fulfilment of important challenges such as data sovereignty for customers, fair sharing of data with service providers and, last but not least, secure operation of connected vehicles. In the interests of consumers, security when handling data and data protection are also of top priority.’
‘Opportunities for garages’
‘At MAHLE Aftermarket, we are working to create practical opportunities from this development and making them usable for our customers, namely independent garages. Almost all vehicle manufacturers rely on so-called Security Gateways to encrypt the diagnostic data of their vehicles. With the MAHLE Cyber Security Pass, we offer a particular function that enables encrypted vehicle diagnostic data from several manufacturers to be read centrally using our TechPRO diagnostic device. We are constantly acquiring new rights to Security Gateways and thus expanding our database to include further manufacturers and future cybersecurity requirements. Thanks to the efficient use of vehicle data, MAHLE supports independent garages to carry out service and maintenance work quickly, accurately and safely.’
‘Access to data is crucial’
‘The automotive industry is facing the challenge of adapting development, validation, approval and testing procedures for vehicles and mobility services in light of digital and connected systems. These test procedures are needed to ensure compliance with traffic safety-related regulations and efficiently evaluate malfunctions, wear and tear and manipulation of assistance and automated driving functions throughout the entire life cycle of the vehicle. Safety-relevant functional updates for motor vehicles will increasingly be available over-the-air in future. Accessing original, unaltered vehicle data is therefore key for authorities and testing institutions, and requires secure digital interfaces plus robust data protection and cybersecurity mechanisms. Only in this way do we have the opportunity to gain the trust and acceptance of users for automated driving, improve individual and urban mobility and prevent misuse. In order to help state authorities and third parties carry out their responsibilities, legal regulations surrounding data access are crucial for the mobility sector.’