The European Commission has published an initial draft of the long-awaited European Data Act, which proposes new rules to harmonise the framework for data sharing in the European Union. This covers data generated by in-car applications and how customers may insist this is accessible to repairers of their choice. 

The mission of the Data Act is to put users and providers, of all sizes, on more equal footing in terms of access to data. This means that users will get standard access to the generated data on any of their integrated tools, including vehicles. 

The European Commission's Data Act sets regulations on how companies can access so-called non-personal data, or data that does not contain any information that identifies an individual. This will include data collected by a machine or device, including a car. This would mean, for example, that a driver could insist that performance or diagnostic data collected by ECUs on a vehicle be accessible  to a workshop of their choice and not be just assessable by a dealer. This is vital for the future of the aftermarket and to maintain fair competition. 

Specifically the proposal states: 
Companies are prohibited from unfair contracts that inhibit sharing data with smaller companies
Companies must make data available to the public sector in emergencies
Companies must allow users of connected devices access to data generated by them

This proposal will now be assessed by legislators, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament before it comes into force. This is likely to be a lengthy process meaning enactment may not be for several years. However, the proposals do represent a positive step for the independent aftermarket