Extensive benefits of telematics to the auto care industry includes the ability for shops to obtain diagnostic data from a vehicle before it arrives at the shop.
All of the data available from embedded vehicle systems currently goes to the vehicle manufacturer, allowing them, and only them, to reap the benefits of this technology.
The Rhode Island House Legislature is considering legislation that would require car companies to provide car owners with the ability to control where information transmitted by vehicle telematics systems is sent.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telematics
Telematics is an interdisciplinary field that encompasses telecommunications, vehicular technologies, road transportation, road safety, electrical engineering (sensors, instrumentation, wireless communications, etc.), and computer science (multimedia, Internet, etc.). Telematics can involve any of the following:
the technology of sending, receiving and storing information via telecommunication devices in conjunction with affecting control on remote objects.
the integrated use of telecommunications and informatics for application in vehicles and with control of vehicles on the move.
GNSS technology integrated with computers and mobile communications technology in automotive navigation systems.
(most narrowly) the use of such systems within road vehicles, also called vehicle telematics
Vehicle tracking is monitoring the location, movements, status and behavior of a vehicle or fleet of vehicles. This is achieved through a combination of a GPS(GNSS) receiver and an electronic device, usually comprising a GSM GPRS modem or SMS sender installed in each vehicle, communicating with the user dispatching, emergency or co-ordinating unit and PC based or web based software.
The data is turned into information by management reporting tools in conjunction with a visual display on computerized mapping software. Vehicle tracking systems may also use odometry or dead reckoning as an alternative or complementary means of navigation.
GPS tracking is usually accurate to around 10-20 metres, but the European Space Agency has developed the EGNOS technology to provide accuracy to 1.5 metres.
Telematics is the blending of computers and wireless telecommunications technologies, ostensibly with the goal of efficiently conveying information over vast networks to improve a host of business functions or government related public services. The most notable example of telematics may be the Internet itself, since it depends on a number of computer networks connected globally through telecommunication backbones.
The term has evolved to refer to automobile systems that combine global positioning satellite (GPS) tracking and other wireless communications for automatic roadside assistance and remote diagnostics. General Motors Corp. first popularized automotive telematics with its OnStar system.
Major automakers are equipping new vehicles with wireless based services controlled by voice commands. This kind of telematics could enable motorists to perform a variety of wireless functions such as accessing the Internet, receiving or sending e-mail, downloading digital audio and video files, or obtaining "smart" transportation information.
The telematics industry is not limited to automotive applications. Other applications are being studied or developed for monitoring water and air pollution, for medical informatics and health care, and for distance learning. Many European countries are developing uniform policies to integrate telematics applications into government, business and education.
BTHESDA, MD - March 29, 2015 - The Auto Care Association and the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE) applaud the Rhode Island House Legislature for considering legislation (HB 7711) that would require car companies to provide car owners with the ability to control where information transmitted by vehicle telematics systems is sent.
Testimony jointly submitted by the associations for a hearing held today by the House Committee on Corporations outlined some of the extensive benefits of telematics to the auto care industry, including the ability for shops to obtain diagnostic data from a vehicle before it arrives at the shop. This could improve service bay efficiency and speed the vehicle repair process. However, the associations pointed to the fact that, "All of the data available from embedded systems currently goes to the vehicle manufacturer, allowing them, and only them, to reap the benefits of this technology.
"Specifically, armed with the extensive data about a customer's vehicle, combined with the means to communicate directly with the driver in real time, the vehicle manufacturer has the ability to steer the motorists to the dealership or to a service establishment that may be a strong purchaser of their parts and information.
"While our associations both applaud and support the goal of HB 7711, at this time we cannot support passage."
In the testimony, the two groups stated that, "While legislation may be necessary in the near future, we strongly believe that a collaborative approach would be faster and more effective, and we are more than willing to work to make that happen."
CARE and the Auto Care Association explained that both groups are working with other associations as part of the Aftermarket Telematics Taskforce which has been meeting with the car companies in an attempt to find common ground. "This process is in its early stages, and therefore it is difficult to judge whether we will be successful. Should our attempt to find an agreement not be successful in the near future, we likely will begin pursuing a legislative resolution and would welcome the help of the Rhode Island Legislature in order to resolve this very critical issue."
Aaron Lowe www.autocare.org
About the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality
CARE is a national organization representing major companies in the $300 billion a year, four million people strong automotive aftermarket.
Based in Bethesda, Md., the Auto Care Association has more than 3,000 member companies that represent 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.
