Insurance Europe joins urgent vehicle data plea to von der Leyen
Group says status quo is driving up prices
A group of ten representatives of independent automotive service providers, including Insurance Europe, have called on EU president Ursula von der Leyen and the College of Commissioners to urgently deliver sector-specific legislation on access to vehicle data.
The group represents 80% of the European automotive economy. It includes the continent’s automotive parts suppliers and distributors, its workshops and their technology suppliers, mobility services companies, the insurance industry and consumers.
“The majority of modern vehicles are connected and offer immense potential for safer, smarter and more affordable mobility for European consumers and businesses,” said the group.
“However, manufacturers’ quasi-monopoly control of vehicle data is impeding the development of services that independent service providers could offer. This limits service innovation and competition, restricting consumer and business choice, driving up prices and eroding Europe’s competitive position globally,” they added.
In the letter to President von der Leyen, the group stressed that the long-promised EU plan for a sector-specific legislation on access to in-vehicle data, functions and resources is more necessary than ever. The Data Act neither addresses the quasi-monopolistic market structure nor the technical requirements of the automotive industry to make equitable data access a reality, said the group.
“Action is urgent due to the regulatory cliff-edge in July when new cybersecurity laws kick in, potentially leading to the progressive shutdown of the only independent means of remote access to vehicle data (via the on-board diagnostic port),” they explained.
“The EU must urgently put in place equal access to vehicle-generated data for all market actors by delivering sector-specific legislation that protects consumer choice and encourages real competition and investment in digital transformation and data-driven businesses. Each day of delay stifles European innovation, job creation and the safer, smarter, more sustainable and affordable mobility that Europe’s citizens and businesses deserve,” added the group.
Yann Arnaud, director of responses to customer needs and Innovation at MACIF, the French insurer, speaking on behalf of the European insurance sector, said the EC must stop dragging its feet and urgently put forward regulation that will enable insurers to provide better products and services to support the climate transition and improve road safety.
“It will also help them understand and manage the risks related to new and future forms of mobility, such as autonomous driving. Opening data access will prevent a few big companies controlling data and instead create a competitive market that delivers for Europeans,” said Arnaud.
“FIA members continuously seek to develop consumer services in mobility and beyond. But our efforts are hampered through the low-quality, scarce and costly data made available by vehicle manufacturers. Fair access to vehicle data is essential in unlocking the full potential of innovative services, beneficial for consumers and all players in the aftermarket. A level playing field is needed to favour innovation for all players and not only a few,” said Karsten Schulze, ADAC technical services president at the German automobile association.
