As well as fighting for the preservation of the OBD, Europe’s independent aftermarket bodies are also involved in a struggle to ensure that the independent aftermarket can also access vehicle telematics data which will play a key role in future mobility. 

The industry body FIGIEFA is calling on the European Commission to swiftly implement an ‘interoperable in-vehicle telematics platform’. The call follows a report which examined a number of different solutions to provide direct remote access to a vehicle, its data and resources which are needed for innovative and competitive services for motorists. FIGIEFA has called upon the European Commission “to start working on its implementation now without delay.”

Serious concerns have been raised that the proposal from vehicle manufacturers to implement an ‘extended vehicle’ concept had the “potential to distort the market for existing and future services using vehicle data to the detriment of consumers”.

Wendy Williamson, chief executive at the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation said: “This is extremely good news and we are supporting FIGIEFA to actively push for swift progress to be made. It is a step closer in giving the independent aftermarket direct access to in-vehicle data and presents us with great optimism as we continue to fight for its future.”