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    First-of-its-kind demonstration of a fair aftermarket for connected car services

    10 May 2017

    Brussels, 3 May 2017 – FIA Region I, in cooperation with the Alliance for the Freedom of Car Repair (AFCAR), have demonstrated an open, secure in-vehicle wireless platform that enables consumers to choose their preferred connected car services. This demonstration proves that it is technically feasible for consumers to have safe access to remote repair by any certified independent operator. The aftermarket sector is dedicated to offering European consumers new mobility services adapted to the digital era. Therefore, FIA Region I calls on the European Commission to ensure access to vehicle data via the regulation of an independent and secure open in-vehicle platform.

    “We expect the connected car to improve the driver’s experience in terms of safety, comfort and efficiency. However, to unlock the technology’s full potential, we must ensure that car data is not under the sole control of vehicle manufacturers,” said FIA Region I Interim Director General Laurianne Krid.

    Currently, vehicle manufacturers use their own proprietary telematics system to gain full access to the vehicle, its data and resources. Meanwhile, competitors are given highly restricted access to the car’s data. Clearly, this limits the potential for innovation and development of independent services, to the detriment of consumers and the wider European digital economy.

    The consortium has also commissioned a study to assess the positive economic and social impacts of ensuring freedom of choice for consumers. The open in-vehicle platform is expected to create jobs, foster the use of intelligent transport systems and contribute to the reduction of CO₂ emissions. The study results will be soon available and communicated to the European Commission.

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    About FIA Region I
    The FIA Region I office, based in Brussels, is a consumer body representing 113 Motoring and Touring Clubs and their 38 million members from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The FIA represents the interest of these members as motorists, public transport users, pedestrians and tourists. The FIA’s primary goal is to secure a mobility that is safe, affordable, sustainable and efficient. With these aims in mind, FIA Region I’s work focuses on Road Safety, Consumer Protection, Environmental Protection, and the promotion of Sustainable Motoring. www.fiaregion1.com

    About AFCAR

    The Alliance for the Freedom of Car Repair in the EU) aims at promoting access to technical information and more generally to all features that allow all the multi-brand aftermarket operators to perform repair and maintenance services. The Members of the AFCAR Alliance are: AIRC, CECRA, EGEA, FIA and FIGIEFA.

    Contact:
    Andrea Campbell
    Head of Communications, FIA Region I
    acampbell@fia.com
    +32 2 282 0813