EU aftermarket innovation faces increased challenges, underscoring the necessity for an open data environment
The 16th Aftermarket Conference, held on 2 & 3 April in Brussels, brought together over 200 participants, including industry experts, policymakers, and Keystin Jorna, Director-General at DG GROW. The event emphasized the need for a clear and enabling framework to realize the full potential of digital mobility services in the EU.
The conference featured a panel discussion on cybersecurity, with experts such as Franck Leveque, Dorothée Dayraut-Jullian (Mobilians), Felix-Matthias Walter (MAHLE Aftermarket GmbH), Lukasz Rosanzky (European Commission's DG GROW), Daniel Knoedler (IBM) sharing their insights. The conversation emphasized the importance of collaboration across supply chain ecosystems and the need for clear legislation going forward. Our website advocates for a balance between cybersecurity and the rights outlined in EU Regulation 858/2018, ensuring that cybersecurity measures do not limit access to On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) or the ability to install spare parts, avoiding reducing consumer choice and driving up the cost of repairs and maintenance.
The sector's strong focus on data and software innovation was highlighted throughout the conference. Antonio Biason gave the keynote 'Driving innovation: The Data Act and the automotive aftermarket', confirming the upcoming guidelines for the implementation of the Commission's Data Act in September. The Data Act, while not covering data for relevant use cases in the automotive sector, such as preventive maintenance and behavioral data, was discussed as a crucial step towards fair access to in-vehicle data for all market players. A complementing regulation is needed to make full use of in-vehicle generated data.
Frank Schlehuber, Senior Consultant Market Affairs at our website, called for a thorough revision of Annex X, urging lawmakers to address technological developments, ensure meaningful access for independent workshops, and adopt swift complementing legislation on in-vehicle data access. Any delay in the implementation of the Data Act could result in severe losses for businesses of all sizes in the European automotive aftermarket.
The conference also showcased groundbreaking technologies in electrification, sustainability, big data, and AI, with Sara Brandstätter moderating a session featuring 10 innovative startups. One of the highlights was Paula Schwertzler from volytica diagnostics winning the 'best pitch' award for presenting about the work of the start-up advancing battery monitoring.
Looking ahead, the next edition of the Aftermarket Conference is planned for Spring 2026. The European Commission's guidelines for implementing the Data Act in September 2025 will be presented by a designated official from the European Commission, typically the Commissioner responsible for the Internal Market or Digital Economy, but the specific individual's name is not mentioned in the available sources.
Benjamin Krieger, Secretary General of the conference, stated that the European automotive aftermarket needs realistic regulation and investment-friendly conditions to thrive. The event underscored the importance of clear legislation under the Commission's Data Act for guaranteeing fair access to in-vehicle data for all market players, ensuring the continued growth and innovation in the European automotive aftermarket.
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