Connected cars increasingly rely on the collection, use and processing of data. In doing so, modern motor vehicles (so not just cars, but also vans, trucks and buses) generate a wealth of data. Today’s vehicles are increasingly ‘connected’ in the sense that they can exchange this information wirelessly with other vehicles, road users, the vehicle manufacturer and third-party service providers.
With the rising volume of data generated by vehicles, third parties are increasingly interested in accessing and using such data to provide services. These service providers include for example garages and breakdown services, insurance companies, operators of parking garages, financial and fleet service providers, and road infrastructure operators. They also include non-traditional automotive players such as entertainment and travel-service providers, social networks, and search engine operators.
Sharing vehicle data with such parties can improve the driving experience, increase comfort for the driver, optimise products, and contribute to societal goals such as improving road safety and reducing fuel consumption.
Here are some examples of how vehicle-generated data can be used to your benefit:
- To advise you on the easiest and safest routes, avoiding traffic jams and road hazards;
- To provide ‘smart parking’ information;
- To contact emergency services in case of an accident;
- To ‘predict’ when your vehicle will need maintenance or repair to avoid break-downs;
- To automatically pay for parking or tolls;
- To enable insurance companies to offer you tailored, or even lower, premiums (for example based on distance travelled, driving style and itineraries);
- To provide relevant local information instantly;
- To provide tailored entertainment and other services;
- To provide access to music, social media channels, e-mails, etc – making the car an extension of your office or home.
Can I decide which personal data I want to share?