Insurance, leasing, dealers, vehicle inspection, automotive aftermarket and consumers coalition:
“Keeping the principles of the Treaty of Rome alive in the automotive digital age”
Brussels, 23 March 2017. A broad industry and motorists representativecoalition calls upon the EU to create a robust regulatory framework for an interoperable in-vehicle telematics platform based on key principles derived from the Treaty of Rome: fair competition, independent entrepreneurship, innovation and consumer choice
The Treaties of Rome that were signed 60 years ago marked the start of what has become the European Union. Since then, we have seen radical paradigm shifts in human, industrial and societal behaviour and increased digitalisation of processes. 60 years ago, the cars that drove Paul-Henri Spaak and the other signatories to the Palazzo dei Conservatori in Rome did not even remotely resemble today’s cars. Now, the ‘connected car’ is becoming part of our daily connected mobility.
Our sectors face groundbreaking changes, which require a robust regulatory framework for ‘fair digitalisation chances’. The digitalisation of the EU industry is imminent, and we hope that the EU decision-makers will make it beneficial to all, especially SMEs, which are the backbone of the EU economy and provide quality services to consumers.
As a broad industry coalition we stand united in our belief that competition, innovation, independent entrepreneurship and consumers interests are the fundamental pillars of today’s and tomorrow’s European Union. In the automotive sector, competition in the digital age starts in the vehicle where the quality and accessibility of in-vehicle generated data determines the service quality that can be offered and chosen by the consumer. However, the curent design of closed telematics vehicle systems controls the flow of data to and from the vehicle and seriously limits competition and innovation on all services and products “around the car”. This is clearly explained in our è video.
In the highly competitive markets for vehicle sales, servicing and repair, insurance, leasing and rentals, mandated periodic inspection, spare parts and diagnostic test tools, ‘free flow of data’ and interoperability are key. Only these enable true choice in digital services and empower vehicle owners’ right to decide with whom they share their data and for what purposes.
Our coalition calls upon the European Institutions to breathe life into the digital transformation, by creating a robust regulatory framework for an interoperable, standardised, secure and safe digital in-vehicle telematics platform. Building the EU of the 21st century starts by holding on to the fundamental principles of fair competition, innovation and entrepreneurship, freedom of consumer choice. Although in a different shape, these principles should stand as strong as they have for the last 60 years.
Coalition for a competitive vehicle service industry in the digital era
ADPA – the European Independent Data Publishers Association aims to ensure fair access to automotive data and information and to provide competitive framework conditions for independent data publishers. This will allow the publishers to be able to design and provide competitive, innovative and multibrand products and services to operators of the automotive aftermarket.
CECRA– the European Council for Motor Trades and Repairs- is the European Federation representing the interests of the motor trade and repair businesses and European Dealer Councils on behalf of vehicle dealers for specific makes. Its main aim is to maintain a favourable European regulatory framework for the enterprises of motor trade and repair businesses it represents. Contact: Bernard Lycke – Director General – [email protected] – tel: +32 2 771 96 56.
CITA – the international association of public and private sector organisations actively practicing compulsory inspection of in-service motor vehicles and their trailers, or with responsibility for authorising and supervising inspection organisations.
Contact: Eduard Fernández – Executive Director – [email protected] – Tel: +32 2 469 06 70.
EGEA – the European Garage and test Equipment Association represents both manufacturers and importers of tools and equipment for the repair, servicing and technical inspection of vehicles, as an integral part of supporting the automotive industrial value chain. Its role is to ensure that its associations’ members can provide the best equipment and service to the automotive aftermarket by striving to keep members up-to-date concerning new vehicle technologies, legislative and standardisation requirements and thus be competitive in the garage and test equipment supply, service and calibration industry. Contact: Eléonore van Haute – Secretary General – [email protected] – tel: +32 2 761 95 15.
The FIA is a worldwide federation of Motoring and Touring Clubs. The FIA Region I represents the interest of these members as motorists, public transport users, pedestrians and tourists in Europe. Its primary goal is to secure a mobility that is safe, affordable, sustainable and efficient. Contact: Laurianne Krid – Policy Director – [email protected] – tel: +32 2 282 08 18.
FIGIEFA is the international federation of independent automotive aftermarket distributors. Its members represent retailers and wholesalers of automotive replacement parts and components and their associated repair chains. FIGIEFA’s aim is to maintain free and effective competition in the market for vehicle replacement parts, servicing and repair.
Contact: Sylvia Gotzen – Chief Executive– [email protected] – tel: +32 2 761 95 10.
Insurance Europe is the European insurance and reinsurance federation. Through its 35 member bodies — the national insurance associations — Insurance Europe represents all types of insurance and reinsurance undertakings, eg pan-European companies, monoliners, mutuals and SMEs. Insurance Europe, which is based in Brussels, represents undertakings that account for around 95% of total European premium income. Insurance makes a major contribution to Europe’s economic growth and development. European insurers generate premium income of €1 200bn, directly employ over 975 000 people and invest nearly €9 800bn in the economy. Contact: Thomas Gelin, Policy Advisor, Tel: +32 2 894 30 48, [email protected]
Leaseurope – the European Federation of Leasing Company Associations- represents both the leasing and automotive rental industries in Europe. The scope of products covered by Leaseurope members’ ranges from hire purchase and finance leases to operating leases of all asset categories (automotive, equipment and real estate). It also includes the short-term rental of cars, vans and trucks.
Contact: Richard Knubben – Director – [email protected] – tel: +32 2 778 05 68.
