ETRMA calls for “equal access” to in-vehicle data

Brussels – The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) has once again called for third party equal access to in-vehicle data to create a "level playing field" within the automotive industry.

The association, in collaboration with data consulting firm Quantalyse, has published a paper titled ‘connected & automated mobility’, drawing attention to recent proposals for "closed data concepts."

Concepts such as ‘extended vehicle’, said ETRMA in a 16 July statement, give vehicle manufacturers "exclusive control of in-vehicle data, thereby hindering innovation by third parties."

The concept involves a vehicle with external software and hardware extensions which are developed, implemented and managed by the vehicle manufacturer.

“The European tire industry and tire-as-a-service have immense potential to advance future mobility, however this depends on having access to onboard vehicle data,” said Fazilet Cinaralp, ETRMA secretary general.

Cinaralp urged the European Commission to grant “non-discriminatory access” to in-vehicle data for third parties “in a comprehensive and timely manner.”

“Only a genuine level playing field with secure industry-wide standards will enable Europe’s citizens to ultimately benefit from connected and automated mobility advancements,” Cinaralp added.

The ETRMA call came amid increasing demand by consumers and businesses for 'tire-as-a-service', a concept which addresses the needs of individual drivers as well as fleet operators.

Tire data, the ETRMA statement said, play a “critical” role in offering information on infrastructure quality, thereby helping tackle congestion, fatalities and pollution.

In vehicle platooning, the association said, the industry’s proprietary knowledge, sensory data input and vehicle-to-vehicle communication can optimise inter-vehicle distance and fuel consumption while maximising safety.

Cinaralp called on policymakers ‘not to limit innovation’, at a juncture when “the entire automotive sector is confronted with fundamental questions regarding fair and equal access to in-vehicle data.”