The future of affordable mobility depends on data — and it’s time the aftermarket takes the driver’s seat. As a Gold Sponsor of the event, TecAlliance proudly supported this important platform for industry dialogue, collaboration, and innovation.

 The conference brought together key stakeholders to explore the enablers of future mobility, such as Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs), Electric Vehicles (EVs), Artificial Intelligence (AI). Data Access & Regulation and Ecosystem Innovation.

 These are reshaping the mobility landscape. SDVs, in particular, are redefining the automotive industry by enabling new digital ecosystems and services. While OEMs are making significant progress, the independent aftermarket must act decisively to avoid being left behind.

 Data Is the Foundation

 In her keynote speech at the CLEPA Conference entitled “The role of data marketplaces in the provision of mobility services”, TecAlliance CDTO Marina Ribke addressed the market with the follwing call:

“We must stop thinking in silos and start building our own ecosystem. Instead of competing with OEMs we need to collaborate, innovate, and ensure independence, affordability, and resilience in tomorrow’s mobility landscape. The data is there. The technology is ready — but value will only come from putting data into action.”

Access to connected car data is the critical foundation. Without this access, AI remains underutilised, innovation slows, and the goal of accessible, sustainable mobility remains out of reach.

 Key Challenges

Marina Ribke explained that progress is still hindered by several major challenges:

• Regulatory clarity is missing. There is no consistent legal framework for bidirectional data access or clearly defined use cases.
• Although vehicle data is technically accessible, practical and scalable usage is still limited.
• AI solutions are emerging, but lack the volume and quality of data needed to deliver on their full potential.

She emphasised the urgent need for the aftermarket to become a proactive force in shaping the future. She called on the industry to move beyond observation and into bold, collaborative innovation.

 A Positive Outlook

 Marina Ribke stated that the tools and platforms to move forward already exist. One example is TecAlliance's subsidiary CARUSO Dataplace, which provides access to over 90% of connected vehicles in Europe, across more than 30 brands, through a single standardised API covering over 300 vehicle attributes.

 This creates significant opportunities for the aftermarket to develop valuable services such as:

•  Remote Diagnostics
• Fleet Management
• Crash Detection and Claims
• Predictive Maintenance
• Sustainability Insights

The goal is not to replicate OEM strategies, but to build an independent, open, and scalable ecosystem that ensures the continued availability and affordability of mobility services across Europe.

Moving Forward

“We don’t need to wait for permission. The independent aftermarket has the tools, the talent, and the reach to lead the way in data-driven mobility. What we need now is the courage to act.” Marina Ribke, CDTO

With collaboration, courage, and leadership, the mobility sector can ensure that the transformation ahead is inclusive, affordable, and sustainable for all.  With Marina Ribke as Chief Data and Technology Officer (CDTO), TecAlliance is strengthening its focus on data-driven innovation and collaboration to shape its future.