ETRMA wants “clear legal framework” for access to in-vehicle data

Brussels – The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) has renewed a call for fair access to in-vehicle data for all manufacturers to create a ‘level playing field’ for those acting in the transport ecosystem. 

ETRMA’s 31 May statement came as the European Commission prepares to legislate in-vehicle data access by early 2022, within the framework of Sustainable & Smart Mobility Strategy as well as Green Deal - the key policy/strategy drivers for road mobility and access to data.

“What is at stake is fair access to in-vehicle data, enabling the continuity of offers and the deployment of new business models,” said the ETRMA statement.

Noting that the design process had started for vehicles which will be on the market in the next five years, the association said it was “increasingly uncertain” that all the necessary vehicle data will be made available on new models.

“Indeed, we are currently observing that on-board diagnostics (OBD) ports, the only entry point currently accessible by third parties in vehicles, are gradually being closed,” the statement added. 

The uncertainty is being further compounded by manufacturers’ obligations to meet cybersecurity requirements; artificial intelligence principles and personal data protection.

ETRMA rejected suggestions by some stakeholders to use indirect means of accessing in-vehicle data, such as cloud-based solutions, as the way to preserve vehicle’s cybersecurity. 

Indirect access, ETRMA said, particularly restricts data-driven tire-as-a-service concept, by offering limited data set, mostly controlled and monitored by the vehicle maker.

Furthermore, it does not provide sufficient real-time or high-frequency data access and does not allow “direct bi-directional communication with the driver.”

To address the cybersecurity issue, ETRMA said European standards such as secure vehicle interface would secure the in-vehicle access for certified and authorised parties. 

In the absence of an EU framework, however, there is the risk of fragmented approaches to the issue which could delay the deployment of connected and automated driving across the EU, ETRMA warned.

Addressing the European Commission, the ETRMA statement recommended that a framework is established to resolve any ambiguities resulting from the absence of legislation or from horizontal rules across sectors.

In addition, it urged the EU to allow fair competition for all actors in the mobility ecosystem “with a clear requirement of separation of duties for the role of OEM as vehicle manufacturer and mobility service provider.”

The framework, ETRMA suggested, should also clarify the definition and remit of digital services as the apply to “native” connected vehicles. 

To conclude, the association reminded that the future governance of vehicle data access must place users at its heart.