19.09.2023
59% of drivers think that their vehicle is not connected, while 61% do not remember having given consent to the collection and processing of data
The poor level of user information on the problems related to the diffusion of connected cars calls for the need for greater transparency and more widespread information to protect consumers, especially with regards to the collection and processing of data.
This is what emerges from research commissioned by the European Office of the FIA - the International Automobile Federation – on a sample of 11,000 motorists from 11 countries (in addition to Italy, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Czech Republic and Spain), aimed at understanding the attitude of Union citizens towards technological developments. The survey paints a far from comforting picture: 59% of motorists think that their vehicle is not connected, 61% do not remember having given any consent to the collection and processing of data relating to their car.
Only 47% are aware that those data – which can include personal information, such as telephone traffic and email contacts – are recorded and shared, while 59% are worried about not having sufficient clarification on the use they it is done.
From the research – which focused in particular on consumer freedom of choice, prices and speed of service provision – it also emerged that 65% of motorists want the possibility of changing the telematics provider of their vehicle, 61% want to do it even over the life of a single vehicle. For 59% of those interviewed, it is the manufacturer that must offer more additional related services than third parties.
Furthermore, 62% of car owners are willing to move from an official company workshop to a private one, if this means lower prices; 56% would agree to do so in exchange for greater speed in carrying out interventions. Other possible drivers for this transition include access to services remotely (46%), including directly from the on-board computer (42%) or via app (41%).
Finally, around a third of those interviewed (29%) are in favor of spending to purchase apps dedicated to the car, while 50% would agree to do so by paying by receiving dedicated advertisements.
Finally, the FIA’s research takes into consideration motorists’ expectations regarding the relevant community legislation which will have to be discussed by the European Commission.
46% believe that there will be positive effects regarding road safety, 43% count on greater diversification of the services offered, 42% on their faster innovation. Furthermore, 40% believe that there will be an improvement in congestion and 35% hope that there will also be an effect on the prices of services for consumers.
According to the International Automobile Federation – also in consideration of the fact that, by 2030, 90% of cars will be connected – the community legislator will have to pay particular attention to encouraging this technological development, taking into account, however, the many delicate aspects still to be clarified regarding the collection and use of personal data.