According to the ETRMA's (The European Tire and Rubber Manufacturers Association) press release, a group of 10 representatives from independent automotive service providers, collectively representing 80% of the European automotive sector, has urgently appealed to President von der Leyen and the College of Commissioners for sector-specific legislation on access to vehicle data. This diverse group encompasses automotive part suppliers, distributors, workshops, technology suppliers, mobility service providers, the insurance industry, and consumers. They emphasize the potential benefits of connected vehicles for safer, smarter, and more affordable mobility but highlight how manufacturers' control of vehicle data limits innovation and competition, ultimately driving up prices and diminishing Europe's global competitiveness.

The group underscores the necessity for the European Commission to fulfill its commitment to sector-specific legislation on access to in-vehicle data, emphasizing the need to address the quasi-monopolistic market structure and technical requirements in the automotive industry. Urgency is emphasized due to impending cybersecurity laws in July, which could impede remote access to vehicle data via the on-board diagnostic port.

The group urges the EU to implement legislation ensuring equal access to vehicle-generated data for all market actors, promoting consumer choice, competition, and investment in digital transformation and data-driven businesses. Delaying action stifles innovation, job creation, and the development of safer, smarter, and more sustainable mobility solutions desired by European citizens and businesses.

Additionally, industry leaders within the coalition echo these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of fair access to vehicle data for innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness across the automotive sector. They emphasize the urgent need for the EU to enact regulation to foster a level playing field, support climate transition, improve road safety, and enable creative solutions that shape the future of mobility.

Read the Joint Press Statement for more details:

About ETRMA

The European Tire and Rubber Manufacturers Association (ETRMA) represents the regulatory and related interests of the European tyre and rubber manufacturers at both the European and international level. ETRMA is involved in continuous dialogue with EU and international institutions, national agencies and other industry sectors. As the voice of tyre and rubber goods producers, ETRMA's activities focus on representing, communicating and promoting the industry to policymakers, as well as providing technical advice for its members.