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Consumers should be able to decide for themselves whether they share data from their cars and with whom. This gives them the freedom of choice of a garage and ensures that repairs and maintenance remain affordable. The data must also be well protected. European research shows that more than 75% of motorists say they have not given permission to share data when they buy their vehicle. Moreover, the vast majority of motorists believe that they have no control over the data that their car sends. Every reason for the ANWB and its partners to draw attention to this.

More and more cars are recording data about the condition of the car and the driver's driving behaviour. This data is forwarded to the car manufacturer via a data connection, often without the car owner's knowledge. Legislation should therefore be introduced to regulate the accessibility of car data. That is the view of AFCAR NL, a partnership of the ANWB, BOVAG, FOCWA, RAI Aftermarket, RAI Equipment, VACO, Association of Insurers and VNA. 

Passing on vehicle data can provide benefits to motorists, such as warning of a breakdown, replacement of parts or advice on how to drive more economically. Or even dangerous driving. However, there is also an important downside. For example, car owners can be obliged to carry out maintenance only at (expensive) maintenance addresses designated by the manufacturer. This limits the freedom of choice for consumers. In addition, garages have to pay for the use of the data collected by the manufacturer. The garage will pass these costs on to the consumer. From 2030, this will mean an annual amount of 65 billion euros in extra costs for consumers and the market in Europe. 

In a letter to the ministers of EZK and I&W, the ANWB and the partners within AFCAR NL make an urgent appeal to ensure that legislation is introduced for the car industry for the sharing of data by vehicles. This month, the European Commission is considering a bill in which the principles and general rules are formulated regarding the sharing of data between private parties.

The ANWB believes that car mobility in the future should be safe, clean, efficient and inclusive and is therefore committed to freedom of choice and affordability. The accessibility of car data is a crucial factor in this, according to the ANWB.

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