IAAF and FIGIEFA have added their weight to a large coalition representing the automotive aftermarket in Europe, which is calling on the European Union to take on board a proposal for a Secure On-board Telematics Platform (S-OTP), allowing access for independent service providers  when legislating on access to in-vehicle data.

The intention of the S-OTP is to ensure that consumers can still choose and rely on service providers, many of them SMEs, to benefit from innovative, competitive and affordable services and products, improving road mobility, safety and sustainability. To do so, service providers have to be able to compete with all mobility stakeholders, some of whom might be tempted to act as “gatekeepers” through proprietary access methods to in-vehicle data.

FIGIEFA said it is the only solution guaranteeing true consumer choice, effective competition and independent entrepreneurship in a secure and technology-neutral manner.

In the detailed document, “Creating a level playing field for vehicle data access: Secure On- board Telematics Platform Approach”, publishers of technical information, body repairers, dealers and workshops, garage equipment suppliers, tyre manufacturers, recovery companies, parts distributors and leasing and rental companies, as well as consumers, provide technical and commercial arguments sustaining their recommendation.

With the advent of the connected car, competition now starts in the vehicle where the ability to safely and securely access car data, functions and resources determines the quality of the service.

The latest document follows previous manifestos published in 2018 and 2019 and the S-OTP concept is in line with the European institutions’ ambitious goals to foster innovation and legislate in a way that works for the modern economy.

The initial concept has been enriched to take into account the increased (cyber-)security requirements, by including certification of service providers and a robust approach to the development of secure applications, which consumers and operators can choose to install in their vehicles.

Wendy Williamson, IAAF Chief Executive, said, “For many years now, it has been proven that a standardised interoperable telematics platform can be safe, robust and secure. IAAF will continue to campaign and lobby, highlighting that the current in-vehicle access platforms – controlled and operated by the vehicle manufacturers – restricts businesses from embracing digital opportunities, jeopardises consumer choice, innovation and a growing economy. This solution ensures safety and security is maintained. whilst safeguarding competition, innovation and consumer choice.”