The BVRLA has published a best practice guide to support members when dealing with connected vehicles.
The BVRLA has published a best practice guide to support members when dealing with connected vehicles.
Data Principles: A Statement of Best Practice covers personal data, vehicle-specific data, asset security and provision of predictive maintenance and service notifications. The document has been created following lengthy consultation with members and vehicle manufacturers.
Rental and leasing companies can use the document when negotiating supply agreements for connected vehicles. The guide has been designed for members' discussions with customers on what data is being collected and how it is being used. This will ensure that drivers can enjoy the benefits of new technology, whilst having access to BVRLA members’ services and appropriate data protection.
In addition to the document being endorsed by BVRLA members, the document is also being adopted by Leaseurope - the trade body representing the automotive leasing and rental industry in Europe.
The BVRLA’s data working group met with regulators earlier this year to discuss their role when it comes to advising companies on the safe capture and deletion of data. The BVRLA is now looking to follow-up with the Information Commissioner’s Office so that it can provide members with more detailed advice and guidance.
Members can find the guide when signed into the BVRLA's website.
The publication of the document comes after BMW announced a new initiative where it will share data from its connected vehicles with leasing company Alphabet. The Teleservices programme will see data on faulty components in BMW's connected cars transmitted directly to leasing company service teams - rather than drivers.
BVRLA Chief Executive Gerry Keaney commented “Connected vehicles give vehicle rental and leasing companies a tremendous opportunity to work more closely with their customers, thereby enabling them to minimise their repair costs, optimise their performance and maximise the utilisation of their vehicles. The key to unlocking these benefits is data, and our industry is working collaboratively to ensure members have access to the data from connected vehicles in a fair, compliant and secure manner.”
Connected vehicles and data will be one of the key themes explored and explained at the association’s forthcoming Fleet Technology Congress, taking place at the Williams F1 Centre in Oxfordshire on 6th July. Ahead of this event, the BVRLA is surveying the industry as part of its Fleet Technology Survey. Respondents who complete the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win either £100, £50 or £25 of Amazon or M&S vouchers.