OTTAWA, Ontario—The Automotive Industries Association of Canada is adding its voice to those backing the "Your Car. Your Data. Your Choice." campaign to ensure consumers have access to and control over data their vehicles generate.
The campaign—an education initiative of the Auto Care Association and Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association—seeks to engage car owners, policymakers and other stakeholders on issues related to car data, including what it is, why it matters, and its implications for consumer choice.
"This is an issue that has significant implications for the aftermarket industry worldwide, and we are excited to join the fight for both our industry's livelihood and greater consumer choice," AIA Canada President Jean-Francois Champagne said, noting that the trade group will post relevant educational materials on a dedicated vehicledataaccess.aiacanada.com website and will encourage industry and consumers to sign a petition asking the government of Canada to give consumers control of their vehicle data.
"The expansion of this campaign into Canada demonstrates the increasing support and urgency amongst the independent auto care industry to combat restricted car data access and control," said Bill Hanvey, ACA president and CEO. "We're thrilled to welcome our friends from AIA Canada into this growing operation and stand by their efforts to ensure Canada's car owners have the right to choose who repairs their car."
AIA Canada's support will help increase awareness of the issues surrounding car access data and control in Canada, the trade groups said.
"Our campaign has engaged so many people because a vast majority of car owners agree they should have control of their car data to ensure choice on where and with what parts their vehicles are repaired and maintained," AASA President Paul McCarthy said. "We welcome Canadian drivers joining the groundswell on this issue, which reflects the importance and global nature of this need to protect consumer choice and a competitive market for vehicle service."
The trade groups claim without control of and direct access to the wireless diagnostic and repair information generated by telematics and wirelessly transmitted from cars, consumers could face greater inconvenience, increased costs and fewer options for repair and maintenance services.
In the U.S., the campaign has secured nearly 30,000 signatures for its petition demanding the U.S. Congress ensures drivers have a right to access and control their car data directly.
The initiative became a ballot issue in Massachusetts, which voters approved by a 3 to 1 margin in voting on Nov. 3. Ballot Question 1 preserves consumers' rights as vehicle owners to have access to and control of their vehicle's mechanical data necessary for service and repair at the shops of their choice.
AIA Canada represents more than 4,000 member locations across Canada in support of the entire automotive aftermarket supply and service chain.
