Access to in-vehicle data by independent garages would be severely threatened if the VM-backed Extended Vehicle (ExVe) model becomes the standard, the IAAF and its European partners including FIGIEFA are continuing to warn the EU and the UK government.

The IAAF has been working with a coalition representing the automotive aftermarket across Europe, including FIGIEFA, that is calling on the EU to opt for a Secure On-board Telematics Platform (S-OTP) that allows access for independent service providers.

In the ExVe scenario, all remote data is routed through VM proprietary backend servers, with only a small portion of in-vehicle data and a limited functions made available to independent garages. In partnership with FIGIEFA, the IAAF alerted the European Union, and more recently the UK government, on the risks posed to the independent aftermarket if the ExVe model was deployed.

IAAF Chief Executive Mark Field observed: “This gives vehicle manufacturers full control to decide arbitrarily how, when and to whom access to data, functions and resources will be granted. Through this approach competing providers become dependent on the vehicle manufacturer and are no longer able to compete effectively. Vehicle manufacturers pre-selected data, diagnostics and repair methods would restrict independent providers to duplicated, redundant services. Innovation, as well as effective competition, will be hampered within the overall automotive sector.”

He continued: “The technically closed ExVe system places the vehicle manufacturer into a role of self-appointed gatekeeper, interposing itself between its competitors and their customers. ExVe thereby enables not only full control of each vehicle manufacturer over its brand-specific aftermarket, but ultimately also full control over all vehicle-related services around the connected and automated mobility.”

The issue is crucial as vehicle data is highly valuable and will create new revenue streams, but businesses without access will be locked out. Mark observed: “Connected cars include innovative remote functions that enable multiple new uses such as remote access to highly granular in-vehicle data. When such technology is combined with remote access to the vehicle and driver interaction through the vehicle human-machine interface, new services and business models can be created. Predictive and preventive maintenance can thus support new business models such as ‘Maintenance as a Service’.

“However, the proprietary closed technical design of manufacturers in-vehicle telematics systems and the lack of an efficient, interoperable access to in-vehicle data and resources, prevents the automotive aftermarket and mobility services sector to realise its digital potential. Independent service providers require the ability to offer competitive digital services to end-users and corporate customers, independently from the vehicle manufacturer. As vehicle manufacturers accelerate the deployment of such systems, they reduce the scope for further competition.”