The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) is calling for greater transparency and clearer information regarding connected vehicle technologies, following increased public discussion about vehicle privacy, cybersecurity and safety.
AADA CEO James Voortman said Australian dealers and their 64,000 employees are increasingly facing questions from customers about what modern connected vehicles are capable of, what information they collect, what functions can be accessed remotely and what safeguards exist to ensure these technologies remain safe and secure.
“Australian car buyers are asking legitimate questions about connected vehicle technologies and deserve clear answers,” said Mr Voortman.
“Those questions are not limited to privacy and data collection. Customers also want to understand how these technologies operate, what protections are in place and how manufacturers and regulators are managing potential cybersecurity and safety risks.”
“Dealers are the customer-facing part of the supply chain and are regularly asked questions about connected technologies which are standard features of modern vehicles.”
“We need an urgent debate on this issue informed by the facts, so that as an industry we can provide car buyers with confidence. We also need a thorough understanding of what the future regulatory landscape looks like.”
The AADA said responsibility for vehicle design, software systems, connected technologies and regulatory compliance rests with manufacturers and relevant government authorities, but industry should not be left without the information required to support customers.
“Manufacturers are responsible for the technologies they introduce to the Australian market, while government agencies and regulators play a critical role in ensuring appropriate oversight and public confidence.”
“This issue also highlights vulnerabilities in the Australian Consumer Law and makes it clear why manufacturers and not dealers should be liable for the products they supply to the Australian market.”
“If Australians are expected to embrace increasingly connected vehicles, there must also be a coordinated effort to ensure clear and accessible information is available to both industry and the public.”
The AADA believes greater collaboration between manufacturers, transport regulators, security agencies, dealers, consumer groups and the wider automotive industry is required to improve transparency and public confidence.
“Our objective is simple. We want Australian dealers and their customers to have confidence in the technologies entering our market, supported by factual information, transparency and appropriate safeguards.”