VOYO AFFILIATE PROGRAM
The legal battle over Right to Repair is focused on the Massachusetts Data Access Law requiring OEMs to open telematics data to vehicle owners and independent shops. Even if the law withstands legal challenges, will it be enough for non-dealer shops to compete with the alliance between OEMs and dealerships? I’d like to outline a solution for the independent aftermarket as a prelude to the launch of VOYOLink, a new telematics based diagnostic platform that Voyomotive will announce shortly.
MAKE MONEY
Telematics create greater customer affinity between service centers and customers by enabling more efficient methods to diagnose, service and repair vehicles. To date, OEMs have restricted 3rd party access to diagnostic data originating from their embedded telematics systems. This policy benefits OEMs, their affiliated dealerships and supplier networks, but it disadvantages independent shops and limits consumer choice.
Furthermore, most OEMs require owners to renew telematics subscriptions typically 2-3 years after the initial car purchase. Estimates vary, but only 10-25% of vehicle owners re-subscribe to their OEM service. Aftermarket telematics can provide a less expensive and viable alternative to owners and their service providers.
A Massachusetts ballot measure passed in 2020 requires OEMs to make telematics diagnostic data available to vehicle owners and independent shops. The Data Access Law was challenged by The Alliance for Automotive Innovation in federal court and awaits a judge’s ruling (which has been pending for over a year). As the decision will certainly be appealed, final resolution on the regulation is likely years away. Additional states are also considering similar ballot initiatives which could further complicate efforts for a non-legislative, industry wide agreement.