Workshop on possible legislative options for in-vehicle data access

Following extensive advocacy activities over recent years by Leaseurope, together with the AFCAR coalition, the European Commission is considering proposing new legislation on access to in-vehicle data. As reported in previous editions of Leaseurope Inside, TRL and fka conducted a study on behalf of the Commission assessing the viability of a new legal framework for in-vehicle data access, as well as looking at amending rules related to Remote and Maintenance Information (RMI) and On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) to enable aftermarket and mobility competition. At the recent workshop, TRL presented their main findings, including possible options for regulation.

Policy option 1 would require maintaining a catalogue of available data. Policy option 2 would introduce requirements relating to this data (e.g. how to calculate fees). Policy option 3 would additionally deal with how data is accessed. Leaseurope and the AFCAR coalition support the third option, as this would have the best chance of ensuring equal access opportunities. Together with AFCAR, we have been advocating for an open on-board application platform with control of access to vehicle resources based on separation of duties principle. Equal data access for independent and authorised aftermarket service providers, vehicle manufactures in their role as aftermarket service providers, public authorities and sovereign bodies would result in a more balanced and competitive market.

Leaseurope and various other stakeholders had the opportunity to present on the current state of play to Commission officials. We reiterated that leasing and rental companies still cannot obtain fair and non-discriminatory access to vehicle-generated data for the vehicles that they own. This data is essential to deliver core passenger and goods mobility needs like efficient management of large-scale vehicle fleets on the road (including electric fleets), managing the customer interface (from private individuals to large international transporters) and developing innovative mobility services.

This was also the primary topic of discussion that took place between Leaseurope, the aftermarket associations, and Commissioner Breton, which took place on 27 October.