The ACA unveiled its plans at its recent board of directors meeting in Bonita Springs.
“We must ensure that vehicle owners have the right to direct their vehicle's diagnostic data to independent repair shops, and we must ensure that the independent aftermarket has the same access to the data as the car companies,” Mr. Hanvey said. “If the consumer owns their [sic] vehicle, they own the data too, and they should decide where the data is transmitted.”
The ACA has hired the public relations agency Powell Tate to assist in creating the “playbook” to raise the awareness of the implications of access to vehicle diagnostic data to vehicle owners and the auto care industry. Powell Tate representatives said they would consider consumer, industry and policymaker research, creative development, messaging, audience targeting strategies, advocacy strategy and measurement in helping the ACA develop its campaign.
The parties did not disclose a timetable for launching the campaign.
The ACA defines telematics as wireless technology in connection with the “smart” connected vehicle.
In terms of the repair industry, the ACA notes that wireless technology permits remote monitoring of the health and safety of a vehicle's systems, whether it's on the road or in the garage.
Bethesda, Md.-based ACA has nearly 3,000 member companies representing some 150,000 independent automotive businesses that manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials and supplies, and perform vehicle service and repair.
