The undersigned associations welcome the European Commission’s eCall initiative and fully support the Europe-wide mandatory introduction of eCall by 2015 in all new type-approved cars and light commercial vehicles. This represents an important initiative to reduce fatalities and the severity of injuries on Europe’s roads.

 

The undersigned associations represent a wide range of stakeholders that are directly affected by the proposed legislation on eCall, such as motoring consumers, insurers and leasing companies and the entire aftermarket sector representing parts suppliers, parts wholesalers, and test equipment manufacturers as well as repairers.

 

The mandatory in-vehicle implementation of the eCall technology will bring about significant benefits for consumers in terms of safety and complementary convenience services. Importantly, the in-vehicle telematics system that supports the eCall function can also be used for supplementary services in the automotive aftermarket, such as breakdown assistance, remote diagnostics and monitoring of the data needed to provide predictive maintenance.

 

It must be ensured that this new technology respects the principles of fair competition and open choice for consumers and vehicle operators. Only by providing equal access to the same functionalities and to the same information in the same timescale, can one ensure that the benefits of this remote access are available to motoring consumers and independent operators. It must also be ensured that alternative, competitive service options can be offered, enabling vehicle owners to connect their in-vehicle system to the service providers of their choice.

 

Third Party Services supported eCall (TPS eCall) should be considered as an additional optional service.

 

Consequently, the eCall functionality and the underlying in-vehicle system must be based on a standardised, interoperable, secure and open-access platform for possible future in-vehicle applications or services.  This principle has already been recognised by the European Parliament in its Own Initiative Report, which was adopted in July 2012. The right of non-discriminatory access to the eCall system for independent operators has also been included by the European Commission in its proposal from June 2013.

 

The undersigned associations call upon European and national legislators to provide EU Regulation that maintains equal opportunities and a level playing field by mandating an interoperable, secure, standardised and open-access platform for eCall and by proposing concrete provisions on how to implement this. This would ensure the right of equal access to equal information and the freedom of choice of competitive consumer products and services.

 

Brussels, 6^th September 2013

	AIRC- the Association Internationale des Réparateurs en Carrosserie- is the global federation of leading national trade organisations in the area of vehicle repairs. Its main aims are to promote vehicle repairs and the vehicle repair industry and to ensure the future of this industry.
	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.
	CLEPA– the European Association of Automotive Suppliers: 110 of the world’s most prominent suppliers for car parts, systems and modules and 26 National trade associations and European sector associations are members of CLEPA, representing more than 3 thousand companies, employing more than 5 million people and covering all products and services within the automotive supply chain.
	EGEA– the European Garage Equipment Association was founded in 1980 and regroups 11 national professional organisations representing the interests of both manufacturers and importers of garage and test equipment towards European and International institutions. EGEA’s role is to provide increased influence, better information, stronger support and a healthier environment for the garage and test equipment industry throughout Europe.
	The FIA is a worldwide federation of Motoring and Touring Clubs. The FIA represents the interest of these members as motorists, public transport users, pedestrians and tourists. Its primary goal is to secure a mobility that is safe, affordable, sustainable and efficient.
	FIGIEFA is the international federation of independent automotive aftermarket distributors. Its members, 24 national trade associations from 21 countries worldwide, 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.
	Insurance Europe is the European insurance and reinsurance federation. Through its 34 member bodies — the national insurance associations — Insurance Europe represents all types of insurance and reinsurance undertakings, eg pan-European companies, monoliners, mutuals and SMEs.
	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.

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