European Commission Mobility Package outlines vision for automated mobility but fails to set out a clear plan for access to in-vehicle data

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Brussels, 17 May 2018. The European Commission has today published its third legislative Mobility Package, which covers a wide range of topics, including connected and automated driving.

The undersigned stakeholder coalition welcomes the Commission’s acknowledgement of the vehicle manufacturers’ privileged position on ‘access to car data and vehicle resources’ and the issues it raises for fair and undistorted competition, in particular in the form of centralised ‘extended vehicle data platform servers’.

However, our stakeholder coalition has serious concerns because the package fails to set out a clear legislative pathway to guarantee a level playing field for all digital products and services ‘around the car’, which would ensure that consumers can truly decide who they share their car data with and for what specific services.

The Commission’s proposals merely reiterate previous statements found in its GEAR 2030 Report, and falls significantly short of what is required to ensure competitive digital services and products for drivers.

Unless legislation is implemented on an interoperable, standardised, secure and safe digital in-vehicle telematics platform, then there is a serious threat to competition, innovation and consumer choice for mobility services and digital products. The time to act is now, as the volume of connected vehicles is rapidly increasing.

The coalition therefore calls upon the Commission to act upon its recommendation to “monitor the situation on access to in-vehicle data and resources” and deliver – also in line with the Parliament‘s  Report on C-ITS – a concrete work programme leading to a legal framework enabling equal competition in digital services.

Moreover, the Commission can prove its commitment now by adopting a definition of Remote Diagnostics Support (currently under discussion as follow-up of the Repair and Maintenance Information provisons of the Vehice Type-Approval Regulation) which should enable a remote, bi-directional and independent communication with the vehicle for service providers to access in-vehicle data.

Furthermore and until a legislative proposal is adopted, all service providers should have the right to non-discriminatory access to vehicle manufacturers’ own systems of access to in-vehicle data and resources or to those in-vehicle data/resources systems offered already today to chosen third parties, which is currently not the case.

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Undersigned Industry, Consumer and SME Associations: 

ADPA – the European Independent Data Publishers Association aims to ensure fair access to automotive data and information and to provide competitive framework conditions for independent data publishers. This will allow the publishers to be able to design and provide competitive, innovative and multibrand products and services to operators of the automotive aftermarket. Contact: Laurence Eeckhout – EU Affairs Manager – laurence.eeckhout@adpa.eu  – tel: +32 2 761 95 16.

CECRA – the European Council for Motor Trades and Repairs- is the European Federation representing the interests of the motor trade and repair businesses and European Dealer Councils on behalf of vehicle dealers for specific makes. Its main aim is to maintain a favourable European regulatory framework for the enterprises of motor trade and repair businesses it represents. Contact: Bernard Lycke – Director General – Bernard.lycke@cecra.eu – tel: +32 2 771 96 56.

CITA is the international association of public and private sector organisations actively practicing compulsory inspection of in-service motor vehicles and their trailers, or with responsibility for authorising and supervising inspection organisations. CITA has defined its vision as enabling its members to play an influential role in the development and implementation of policies for safe and sustainable road usage. This vision will be supported by CITA’s Mission to provide the forums to create, assess and promote best practice, ensuring safe and compliant vehicles throughout their life cycle. Contact: Eduard Fernandez – Executive Director – e.fernandez@citainsp.org – +32 2 469 06 70.

EGEA – the European Garage and test Equipment Association represents both manufacturers and importers of tools and equipment for the repair, servicing and technical inspection of vehicles, as an integral part of supporting the automotive industrial value chain. Its role is to ensure that its associations’ members can provide the best equipment and service to the automotive aftermarket by striving to keep members up-to-date concerning new vehicle technologies and legislative and standardisation requirements and thus be competitive in the garage and test equipment supply, service and calibration industry. Contact: Eléonore van Haute – Secretary General – Eleonore.vanhaute@egea-association.eu  – tel: +32 2 761 95 15.

ETRMA is the voice of tyre and rubber goods producers to various European institutions. ETRMA activities focus on the following key interdependent areas: representation, co-ordination, communication, promotion and technical liaison. The primary objective of ETRMA is to represent the regulatory and related interests of the European tyre and rubber manufacturers at both European and international levels. ETRMA is the sole interlocutor, specifically designated by the European tyre and rubber producers to carry out this critical task. Contact: Fazilet Cinaralp – Secretary General – f.cinaralp@etrma.org and Marianna Faino – Coordinator Environment & Transport – m.faino@etrma.org – tel: +32 2 218 49 40.

FIA Region I is a federation of Motoring and Touring Clubs. FIA Region I represents the interest of these members as motorists, public transport users, pedestrians and tourists in Europe. Its primary goal is to secure a mobility that is safe, affordable, sustainable and efficient. Contact: Chris Carroll – Policy Director – ccarroll@fia.com – tel: +32 2 282 08 18.

FIGIEFA is the international federation of independent automotive aftermarket distributors. Its members represent retailers and wholesalers of automotive replacement parts and components and their associated repair chains. FIGIEFA’s aim is to maintain free and effective competition in the market for vehicle replacement parts, servicing and repair. Contact: Sylvia Gotzen – CEO – Sylvia.gotzen@figiefa.eu – tel: +32 2 761 95 10.

Insurance Europe is the European insurance and reinsurance federation. Through its 35 member bodies — the national insurance associations — Insurance Europe represents all types of insurance and reinsurance undertakings, eg pan-European companies, monoliners, mutuals and SMEs. Insurance Europe, which is based in Brussels, represents undertakings that account for around 95% of total European premium income. Insurance makes a major contribution to Europe’s economic growth and development. European insurers generate premium income of €1 200bn, directly employ over 940 000 people and invest over €10 100bn in the economy. Contact: Thomas Gelin – Policy Advisor – Tel: +32 2 894 30 48 – Gelin@insuranceeurope.eu

Leaseurope – the European Federation of Leasing Company Associations- represents both the leasing and automotive rental industries in Europe. The scope of products covered by Leaseurope members’ ranges from hire purchase and finance leases to operating leases of all asset categories (automotive, equipment and real estate). It also includes the short-term rental of cars, vans and trucks. Contact: Richard Knubben – Director – r.knubben@leaseurope.com – tel: +32 2 778 05 68.

UEAPME is the employers’ organisation representing the interests of European crafts, trades and SMEs at EU level. UEAPME is a recognised European Social Partner. It is a non-profit seeking and non-partisan organisation. As the European SME umbrella organisation, UEAPME incorporates 67 member organisations from 34 countries consisting of national cross-sectorial SME federations, European branch federations and other associate members, which support the SME family. UEAPME represents about 12 million enterprises, which employ around 55 million people across Europe. Contact: Dieter Grohmann – Director Communication and Media – d.grohmann@ueapme.com –  +32 2 285 07 05 and Véronique Willems – Secretary General – v.willems@ueapme.com – +32 2 285 07 22.

UEIL (the Union of the European Lubricants Industry) represents the interests of the lubricants industry in Europe, with a special focus on SMEs and independent companies that produce lubricants and metal processing fluids essential for the automotive and industrial sectors. Contact: Jos Jong – Past President UEIL – josjong@planet.nl;  UEIL:  tel.: +32 2 504 90 03.

EGEA together with 10 other associations calls upon EU decision makers to ACT NOW on remote access to in-vehicle data!

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Brussels, 19th April 2018. A broad coalition comprising vehicle dealers, automotive aftermarket and mobility services operators, the European insurance industry, the European representations of both motorist consumers and SMEs, is urging EU decision-makers to act decisively to establish fair and equal access to in-vehicle data and resources, amidst concerns that effective competition, innovation and free consumer choice are currently not being placed at the heart of its agenda.

In order to continue offering the high level of competitive services demanded by their customers, together with improved operational safety and environmental compliance, all  independent service providers ‘around the car’ must be able to compete on an equal footing with vehicle manufacturers (VMs) by continuing to access the vehicle, its data and functions in an independent and direct manner. This would allow the development of new competitive digital services resulting in true consumer choice and enabling consumers to fully decide with whom they share their data.

However, all this would not be possible with the model put forward by VMs, the so-called ‘Extended Vehicle’, which will channel all future communication and data access through their own backend server. As such, this would prevent all other independent service providers from offering competing services to consumers, as only a small part of the vehicle-generated data will be shared with them, compared to the data available to the VMs. Also, direct real-time communication with the vehicle/its functions/the driver is prevented.

The coalition has therefore launched a Manifesto urging EU decision-makers, and in the first instance the EU Commission, to ‘act now’ by introducing pertinent requirements aiming to establish in the coming years the “interoperable, standardised, secure and open access telematics platform” set out in the 2015 EU eCall Regulation in order to ensure a level playing field. This solution would maintain consumer choice, independent entrepreneurship, competition and innovation for all services  ‘around the car’, whilst ensuring the same high level of safety, security, liability and data protection as the VMs use themselves. According to the Commission’s Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) Study Report, it is the only solution that would allow equal opportunities for independent service providers and true competitive choice for consumers, but it requires legislative intervention.

The Call to Action by the Coalition asks:
  • For the European Commission to start working on a robust regulatory framework for an interoperable, standardised, secure and safe on-board application platform. High Level Principles and Requirements should be enshrined now into the Data/Third Mobility Package upon which the work can be triggered so that a solution will be in place without undue delay to address the rapidly increasing number of connected vehicles in the automotive service and mobility markets.
  • In the meantime and until such a platform is in place, there should be a ‘right to do business’, and vehicle manufacturers should give as from 1.1.2020, non-discriminatory access to the in-vehicle telematics systems used by themselves, and to those in-vehicle systems and interfaces which they allow third party service providers access to.
  • To adopt a sound definition of Remote Diagnostic Support (RDS), which is currently being discussed with DG GROW as a follow-up of the new Vehicle Type-Approval Regulation, enabling the remote, direct bi-directional communication with the vehicle via a standardised in-vehicle interface to conduct a remote diagnostics analysis.

This ‘Call for Action’ is also in line with the European Parliament’s TRAN Committee Report on C-ITS which calls upon the Commission to publish a legislative proposal on access to in-vehicle data and resources by the end of this year.

The coalition upholds that the current telematics data access model – controlled and operated by car manufacturers – prevents independent businesses from embracing digital opportunities, jeopardises consumer choice, innovation and a prosperous EU digital economy. It’s clear what is at stake here. “Our solution is for fair and equal access to vehicle telematics, to ensure safety and security is maintained, whilst safeguarding competition, innovation and consumer choice. It is therefore crucial that competition, innovation and consumer interests must be put back at the heart of the EU Digital Single Market”.

 

Please find here the Manifesto.

EGEA is reinsuring its support for a more ambitious EU industrial strategy together with some others 125 European industrial associations!

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EGEA together with 125 others EU industry associations invite the European institutions to take the EU Industrial Strategy to the next level #Industry4Europe

2018 01 – Updated joint reaction paper – ambitious EU Industrial Strategy

 

EGEA welcomes the agreement on the reform of type-approval and EU’s support to maintain the standardised OBD connector open!

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On the 20th of December 2017, Member State Ambassadors have endorsed the provisional interinstitutional agreement between the Estonian Presidency of the Council and the European Parliament on the reform of type-approval and market surveillance for motor vehicles to revamp the automotive sector.

 

EGEA welcomes this agreement which aims to achieve a high level of safety and environmental performance of motor vehicles and to address the main shortcomings identified in the existing type-approval system.

Important clarifications on access to OBD and repair and maintenance information have been made, notably regarding the standardised OBD connector as this is ‘THE’ vital data communication channel with the vehicle and its data, as well as regarding the access to the information needed for the preparation of the vehicle for roadworthiness testing for all independent operators, which is more and more vehicle-specific information.

 

Jaume Berenguer Baquès, EGEA President, said: “by maintaining the standardised OBD connector open, also when the vehicle is in motion, to access the vehicle OBD, diagnostic and RMI datastream, the EU reaffirmed its support for fair competition, innovation and independent entrepreneurship in the automotive aftermarket. Our members welcome this significant clarification and should now be able to continue offering competitive multibrand diagnostic tools to repairers for a fair and competitive consumer choice in the current analogue era.

However, vehicle manufacturers have started now to introduce new measures, such as proprietary electronic certificates mandating the use of their OE tools, which prevent the access of independent operators to the OBD port. This crucial issue tends to go against the newly adopted provisions and should therefore be addressed in 2018 by the EU legislator.

Additionally, it is clear that the Commission will also have to look how to maintain these new provisions in the connected era and ensure access to in-vehicle data to allow the development of the digital innovation potential of the value chain.”

 

This agreement will now be submitted in the course of 2018 to the Parliament and then to the Council for final approval.

 

EGEA welcomes GEAR2030 report: ‘access to vehicle and mobility data are key to allow the development of the digital innovation potential of the value chain’.

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On the 18th of October 2017, the European Commission together with all stakeholders form the High Level Group (HLG) GEAR 2030 issued its final report on the competitiveness and sustainable growth of the automotive industry in the EU.

 

Having worked actively in various working groups, EGEA welcomes this report as an important and positive step for the automotive industry, which includes the automotive aftermarket value chain and all third party services ‘around the car’ and mobility providers, as it focuses on key issues such as the competitiveness of the sector up to 2030, the digitalisation and the connected & automated driving which will have profound effects for the future of transport and mobility in Europe.

 

Jaume Berenguer Baquès, EGEA President, said: ‘Recommendation 26 specifying that ‘the European Commission should assess whether additional sector specific legislation, relating to data, is needed.’ is key for diagnostic tool manufacturers. This will allow them to continue designing innovative digital diagnostics and prognostics applications. But this will not be possible without a robust and sector-specific legislation and we therefore call upon the European Commission to bring it to life’.

 

See EGEA Press Release – GEAR2030 – Access to in-vehicle data is key for innovation

See full report: GEAR 2030 – Report and annexes

 

 

EGEA congratulations to Germany on exhaust emissions – the best way to control the hot topic of exhaust emissions

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Following the VW diesel emissions scandal and the continuing discussions about how to control increasing levels of exhaust emissions created by removal of diesel particulate traps (DPFs) or manipulation of the ‘AdBlue’ fluid control system that reduces levels of NOx, Germany has announced a positive way forward.   Although the new Roadworthiness Directive 2014/45/EU allows […]

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ACEA/CLEPA position on access to vehicle data jeopardises competition, innovation and consumer choice

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Brussels, 9 December 2016. The undersigned are united in 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.

 

European parts suppliers and vehicle manufacturers recently presented a common technical architecture to access in-vehicle data. This approach would channel all future communication and data access through the vehicle manufacturer’s proprietary server. Only part of the data generated would then be sent to a ‘neutral server’ and be accessible for independent operators. This solution – which would be based on the Extended Vehicle – would not allow direct communication with the vehicle and still grants vehicle manufacturers full control to decide how, when and to whom (mainly aggregated) data access will be granted.

 

Our broad industry coalition believes this solution undermines vehicle owners’ right to decide who they share their data with and for what purposes. We also consider this to be a serious threat to competition, innovation and consumer choice in the digital era. Today, vehicle manufacturers and their partner suppliers now compete on the market for a wide range of vehicle-related services and products (e.g. financial, leasing, insurances, diagnostics, replacement parts etc.) that are increasingly reliant on real time in-vehicle data. In this new digital age, it is not sufficient to only have direct access to the in-vehicle data only through an interoperable physical interface – a digital communication lifeline is also needed.

 

Ensuring safety and security is crucial for the deployment of connected vehicles and we believe that an ‘in-vehicle interoperable, standardised, secure and open-access platform’ is the right way forward. This solution would ensure the same  high level of safety, security, liability and data protection as the vehicle manufacturers’ solution, whilst safeguarding competition, innovation and consumer choice. It could be based on the existing vehicle manufacturers’ telematics systems and use the highest possible security standards. Many manufacturers allow chosen partners to operate their own systems and applications in their vehicles today, thus showing that safe and secure direct access is possible without interfering with the vehicle’s functions.

The undersigned call upon the European Institutions to create a robust regulatory framework for an interoperable, standardised, secure and safe digital in-vehicle telematics platform as intended by the eCall Mandate, to maintain true consumer choice, independent entrepreneurship, competition and innovation for all services “around the car”.

 

 

 

Please see undersigned Industry and Consumer Associations :

Coalition for interoperable data access

  ADPA – the European Independent Data Publishers Association aims to ensure fair access to automotive data and information and to provide competitive framework conditions for independent data publishers. This will allow the publishers to be able to design and provide competitive, innovative and multibrand products and services to operators of the automotive aftermarket. Contact: Laurence Eeckhout – EU Affairs Manager – laurence.eeckhout@adpa.eu – tel: +32 2 761 95 16.

 

 

 CECRA- the European Council for Motor Trades and Repairs- is the European Federation representing the interests of the motor trade and repair businesses and European Dealer Councils on behalf of vehicle dealers for specific makes. Its main aim is to maintain a favourable European regulatory framework for the enterprises of motor trade and repair businesses it represents. Contact: Bernard Lycke – Director General – Bernard.lycke@cecra.eu – tel: +32 2 771 96 56.

 
 EGEA– the European Garage and test Equipment Association represents both manufacturers and importers of tools and equipment for the repair, servicing and technical inspection of vehicles, as an integral part of supporting the automotive industrial value chain. Its role is to provide a healthier environment for the garage and test equipment industry throughout Europe and a stronger support to ensure competitive consumer choices for affordable mobility against the background of the increasing vehicle technology and complexity. Contact: Eléonore van Haute – Secretary General – Eleonore.vanhaute@egea-association.eu – tel: +32 2 761 95 15.

 

 
         The FIA is a worldwide federation of Motoring and Touring Clubs. The FIA Region I represents the interest of these members as motorists, public transport users, pedestrians and tourists in Europe. Its primary goal is to secure a mobility that is safe, affordable, sustainable and efficient. Contact: Laurianne Krid – Policy Director – lkrid@fia.com – tel: +32 2 282 08 18.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 FIGIEFA is the international federation of independent automotive aftermarket distributors. Its members represent retailers and wholesalers of automotive replacement parts and components and their associated repair chains. FIGIEFA’s aim is to maintain free and effective competition in the market for vehicle replacement parts, servicing and repair.

Contact: Sylvia Gotzen – Chief Executive– Sylvia.gotzen@figiefa.eu – tel: +32 2 761 95 10.

 

Insurance Europe is the European insurance and reinsurance federation. Through its 35 member bodies — the national insurance associations — Insurance Europe represents all types of insurance and reinsurance undertakings, eg pan-European companies, monoliners, mutuals and SMEs. Insurance Europe, which is based in Brussels, represents undertakings that account for around 95% of total European premium income. Insurance makes a major contribution to Europe’s economic growth and development. European insurers generate premium income of €1 200bn, directly employ over 975 000 people and invest nearly €9 800bn in the economy. Contact: Thomas Gelin, Policy Advisor, Tel: +32 2 894 30 48, Gelin@insuranceeurope.eu

 
 

 Leaseurope – the European Federation of Leasing Company Associations- represents both the leasing and automotive rental industries in Europe. The scope of products covered by Leaseurope members’ ranges from hire purchase and finance leases to operating leases of all asset categories (automotive, equipment and real estate). It also includes the short-term rental of cars, vans and trucks. Contact: Richard Knubben – Director – r.knubben@leaseurope.com – tel: +32 2 778 05 68.