EU regulations on automobile data: automotive sector calls for enhancements
The EU Data Regulation, which came into effect on September 12, 2025, aims to govern access to vehicle data and ensure fairness in handling digital information. However, concerns have been raised by industry associations, including the Zentralverband Deutsches Kraftfahrzeuggewerbe (ZDK) and the industry alliance AFCAR.
Detlef Peter Grün, Federal Guild Master of the Kfz trade and ZDK Vice President, has expressed concerns that the published guidelines do not address all the concerns and wishes of ZDK and AFCAR. Grün fears that the Data Act may not bring about significant changes in the automotive sector's status quo, and has warned against one-sided regulation in favor of automotive technology openness instead of an internal combustion engine ban.
The OLG ruling enforces free access to vehicle data, and users are supposed to have access to the data generated by their cars, either directly or through the manufacturer. However, manufacturers can still decide which vehicle data to disclose and may charge fees for it. Aftermarket providers will continue to have restricted access to offers that differ depending on the manufacturer, via existing solutions at non-uniform tariffs.
Independent workshops or insurers should be able to access the same quality of data as the manufacturers, upon request. No unnecessary obstacles or special equipment should be required for data access. Damage to businesses is confirmed as restrictions on access to vehicle data remain illegal.
The EU Commission's accompanying guidelines for the EU Data Regulation have left several key questions unanswered, according to industry associations. Many aspects of secure performance delivery in the connected vehicle of the future have not been considered, according to Detlef Peter Grün.
To address these ongoing restrictions on access to vehicle data, calls for sector-specific regulation or a revision of the relevant sections in the type approval and block exemption regulation have been made. ZDK and AFCAR are working determinedly for fair and secure performance delivery in the digitalized vehicle for the European automotive sector.
Grün has also mentioned that manufacturers can withhold extensive data by citing exceptions, such as intellectual property. Despite the broad leeway provided by the EU Data Regulation to vehicle manufacturers in data sharing, the industry associations are advocating for changes to ensure a level playing field for all players in the automotive sector.
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