Stellantis appeal around access to vehicle data rejected
Courts in Germany have dismissed an appeal from Stellantis against a ruling that said it was illegal for vehicle manufacturers to block access to vehicle data.
Last May Belron company Carglass and the German repair chain ATU won a ruling against Stellantis which granted all independent repairers access to essential car repair data.
The verdict backed up a ruling by the European Court of Justice from October 2023 regarding access to vehicle data.
Stellantis appealed the decision but the Regional Court of Cologne has now rejected that appeal.
Access to vehicle data upheld
Belron, which has accused vehicle manufacturers of obstructing access to vehicle data needed by the aftermarket, reducing competition and raising costs, has called this ruling the third victory for a fair and level playing field in the European automotive aftermarket.
Carlos Brito, CEO of Belron, said: “We are pleased with this latest ruling by the German courts that upholds the law that barriers imposed by vehicle manufacturers to car data is illegal.
“This judgement will ensure a level playing field in the automotive repair industry. It emphasises the need for independent repairers to have seamless access to vehicle data for essential services, without unnecessary barriers. This is crucial to maintain customer choice and competitive pricing offered by independent repairers.”
