A broad industry and motorists representative coalition is calling upon the EU to create a robust regulatory framework for an interoperable in-vehicle telematics platform based on key principles derived from the Treaty of Rome: fair competition, independent entrepreneurship, innovation and consumer choice
CECRA, the European Council for Motor Trades and Repairs says the Treaties of Rome that were signed 60 years ago marked the start of what has become the European Union. Since then, we have seen radical paradigm shifts in human, industrial and societal behaviour and increased digitalisation of processes. 60 years ago, the cars that drove Paul-Henri Spaak and the other signatories to the Palazzo dei Conservatori in Rome did not even remotely resemble today’s cars. Now, the ‘connected car’ is becoming part of our daily connected mobility.
Cecra said in a statement: “Our sectors face groundbreaking changes, which require a robust regulatory framework for ‘fair digitalisation chances’. The digitalisation of the EU industry is imminent, and we hope that the EU decision-makers will make it beneficial to all, especially SMEs. They are the backbone of the EU economy and, mostly rooted locally, can provide tailor made services to consumers.
The statement continued: “As a broad industry coalition we stand united in our conviction that competition, innovation, independent entrepreneurship and consumers interests are the fundamental pillars of today’s and tomorrow’s European Union. In the automotive sector, competition in the digital age starts in the vehicle where the quality and accessibility of in-vehicle generated data determines the level of service that can be offered to, and chosen by the consumer. However, the current design of closed telematics vehicle systems controls the flow of data to and from the vehicle and seriously limits competition and innovation on all services and products around the car”>”
In the highly competitive markets for vehicle sales, servicing and repair, insurance, leasing and rentals, mandated periodic inspection, spare parts and diagnostic test tools, ‘free flow of data’ and interoperability are key, according to CECRA.
Only these enable true freedom of choice in digital services and empower vehicle owners’ right to decide with whom they share their data and for what purposes., CECRA added.
”Our coalition calls upon the European Institutions to breathe life into the digital transformation, by creating a robust regulatory framework for an interoperable, standardised, secure and safe digital in-vehicle telematics platform. Building the EU of the 21st century starts by holding on to the fundamental principles of fair competition, innovation and entrepreneurship, and freedom of consumer choice. Although in a different shape, these principles should stand as strong as they have for the last 60 years,” the statement concluded.