The big issues & their consequences
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation discussed the implications of the connected car and access to in-vehicle data in the latest ‘IAAF Insight’, which looks at key trends and opportunities in the automotive aftermarket.
The ‘Connected car’ is able to connect with networks outside the vehicle, such as mobile phones, but also other connected road users in the vicinity for traffic updates, and traffic lights and road signs within ‘Smart Cities’. For now, the interesting exchange of data for the aftermarket is advanced analytics, including predictive failure analysis, driving style analysis and highly accurate analytics on the wear and tear of components. When this technology is combined with remote access to the vehicle and driver interaction through the car’s interface, predictive and preventive maintenance can be provided. However, the closed technical design of VM in-vehicle telematics systems, together with the lack of ‘an efficient, interoperable access to in-vehicle data and resources’, prevents the automotive aftermarket, and mobility services sector, to realise this digital potential. Independent service providers require the ability to offer competitive digital services to end-users, independently from the vehicle manufacturer but as vehicle manufacturers accelerate the deployment of such systems, the IAAF argues they reduce the scope for further competition.
COVER STORY
The trade is undergoing the biggest shake up in living memory, with digitalisation and electrification playing significant roles. Here, the IAAF details its work surrounding the connected car, access to in-vehicle data, how this could affect the automotive aftermarket, and the steps it is taking to ensure a level-playing field. It also provides an update on its ongoing lobbying in regard to Block Exemption Regulations (BER) which in its current form, ends in 2023. If BER were not to be renewed in the UK, then using parts of OE-quality or matching quality within the warranty period could invalidate a vehicle warranty.
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