Free access to the data

Free access to the data

Data is not the same as data. While non-discriminatory access to repair and maintenance information is important for workshops, for other after-sales market participants “in-vehicle data” represents the basis for business. This is data that the vehicle generates during use. This can be logged driving behavior, signs of wear or even GPS historical data. 

With the introduction of the Euro 5/6 paragraph legislation in 2007, access to repair and maintenance information was regulated to the extent that every market participant can obtain it without discrimination (not to be confused with free of charge). The manufacturers have actually opened their portals, but the certification processes take a long time - usually too long. The argument for this certification process is access to theft-relevant components. As far as is understandable, this certification would not be necessary for each car brand individually.

The Federal Automotive Technology Guild, together with the European partner associations, has now invested a lot of time, nerve and money to negotiate a practical solution to this problem at the European level. The result is SERMI - derived from “Security-Related Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Information” (i.e. safety-related information on vehicle repair and maintenance) - a Europe-wide and across all manufacturers uniform concept for standardized access. In short, every legitimate workshop with the appropriate trade license will in future be able to immediately receive the necessary information from a central point for every manufacturer and for every vehicle. 

This central point will come into force - for both independent and branded specialist workshops - at the beginning of August 2023.