Brussels, 19 September 2023 – The FIA European Bureau (EB) released a study revealing the  profound economic impact of restricted access to vehicle data in the automotive aftermarket. This sector, contributing €280 billion annually to Europe’s economy, faces significant  challenges. 

 

As the industry transitions from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles  (EV), and shifts focus from hardware to software, vehicle manufacturers are abandoning the traditional on-board diagnostics (OBD2) interface – the most common way of independent,  direct, real-time, and free of charge access to in-vehicle data. Instead, they are moving towards data-based business models, affecting independent service providers (ISPs) and  consumers. 

 

The study identifies five common use cases where consumers and ISPs suffer losses, with an estimated €95 billion loss by 2050, endangering the livelihoods of 5 million Europeans employed in this industry.

  

Laurianne Krid, Director General of FIA Region I, underscores the necessity of clear sector specific legislation: “Recent research has exposed the current data collection practices through connectivity features. Whilst the uptake of connected vehicles is growing, we direly  need rules that establish equitable access to vehicle data. Consumers and aftermarket players are currently paying a high price for the biased control of vehicle data. Ensuring a level playing field will unlock competition, foster innovation, and address current practices.”  

 

A consumer survey shows that only one third of the respondents are willing to pay for car  applications. In this sample, 34% consider that car apps should be provided free of charge in  exchange for their data, whilst 21% would consider targeted advertising as an acceptable form of payment. Only 12% would be willing to pay directly for the service.  

 

Krid adds, “The European Union must prioritise the enactment of sector-specific legislation to  protect consumers, promote fair competition, and ensure freedom of choice.” 

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Lisandra Fesalbon 

Communications Officer, FIA European Bureau