Who owns the data collected by a vehicle?

May 27, 2019

In a scenario where car manufacturers own the vehicle data, there is the potential for automakers to establish a data monopoly, which will threaten car owners’ choice for service and repair and hinder competition in the Canadian automotive industry.

The same car manufacturers will be in a position to influence car owner behavior, and will have control over where car owners could take their vehicles to be serviced along with what replacement parts and supplies will be available on the market. Critically, they will have influence over the cost that people will pay for services, parts and supplies.

As a result, they will have a competitive advantage over the aftermarket with control over the access to data, including wait time and vehicle data quality.

Because the service and repair shops are one of the biggest consumers of aftermarket products, the entire aftermarket supply chain will be vulnerable to disruption and the collateral damage to the Canadian economy could be significant, resulting in a loss of 453,000 aftermarket jobs by 2051.

AIA Canada is fighting to ensure that the aftermarket industry has direct access to vehicle data so that businesses like yours can compete and survive in the future automotive landscape.

Here’s what AIA Canada has been up to:

Regular meetings with federal and provincial government representatives to discuss access to vehicle data and the consequences of failing to address this fundamental issue.
Commissioned a research study to better understand car owners’ perspectives when it comes to in-vehicle data. Read the previous study on this topic.
A seat on the multi-stakeholder Car of the Future Advisory Group co-led by Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) and Transport Canada (TC). The group works to address challenges and opportunities related to connected and automated vehicle technology.
Invited by Competition Bureau Canada to submit comments on the competitive landscape of Canada’s repair and maintenance industry. Submission led to a face-to-face meeting.

When it comes to car repairs you have the right.

You can take the following steps to support our industry:

AIA Canada uses Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn to share stories about vehicle data, telematics and the aftermarket. Share these stories with your networks and contacts to raise awareness.
We need to hear from you about your experiences accessing vehicle data. The government wants to hear about what challenges are facing the industry. Contact erin.chreptyk@aiacanada.com to share your insights.
Let us know if you are interested in getting involved in activities related to the aftermarket industry’s access to vehicle data. The industry’s future is dependent on access to data, therefore industry must be involved. Contact erin.chreptyk@aiacanada.com.

Learn more: