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Connected cars are here, and like it or not, they are changing the game.

In Australia, we are already sharing the road with thousands of internet-enabled vehicles, and by 2030, over half of all cars will be hooked up to a digital lifeline.

But let’s not get carried away by the hype – connected vehicles mean more than just convenience; they are also about data. So, we need to ask: who controls it, who profits from it, and who’s left in the dark?

Why connected cars matter
Let’s be clear, connected cars aren’t just here to monitor our driving behaviour and collect data – they offer some real benefits that could save lives and protect the environment.

A connected vehicle can send an instant alert to emergency services if there is a crash or an airbag deployment, which means faster response times when seconds count.

Real-time data can help prevent drivers from breaking down, entering highly congested areas, and even adjusting traffic lights so people aren’t idling for no reason.
And there is the environmental payoff, with less wasted fuel, lower emissions, and safer roads for everyone.

There’s a lot of common good here, there is no question about it.

But before we let automakers use this tech to lock drivers into their networks, we need to talk about the real cost of connected cars and what it means for people who rely on the independent aftermarket.
Beyond the very important safety features, connected cars are basically mobile data factories.
Every trip, every refuel, every diagnostic alert is collected, stored, and transmitted. And while drivers think this is all in the name of better service, car manufacturers have other ideas.

Data collection has become a revenue stream, with the car essentially reporting back to the factory like a loyal employee.

But here’s the kicker: there is no active consent from consumers and in many cases, drivers are automatically signed up to these OEM data collection programs and have no idea this is even happening.
Imagine your car automatically sends a “service due” notification to the dealership as soon as your oil levels dip. This might sound convenient on paper, but for those of us in the independent sector, this automatic connection puts up a wall between drivers and their local mechanics.

Why can’t this same car notify your trusted local technician who knows your car’s quirks better than anyone? Why does it have to be the dealership? The simple answer is, it doesn’t, unless we sit back and let it.

It is time to demand consent and choice
Here’s where we come in. As connected vehicles take over the roads, we need to be asking tough questions and giving drivers the tools they need to demand clear, informed consent over their data.
People need to know, without the fine print nonsense:
• What is my car collecting?
• Who has access to it?
• Am I even okay with that?

These questions aren’t just about privacy, they are about a driver’s right to choose how their vehicle is serviced and by whom.

And let’s be clear, if this technology is about creating convenience, the car owner should decide who has access to their data.

The truth is that connected technology should be a benefit, not a ball and chain tying you to the original manufacturer.

Now, for the independent aftermarket, this is a huge opportunity. We are looking at a future where we can offer the same high-tech support to customers on their terms.

If a car owner wants their vehicle to be connected to a trusted independent workshop rather than the dealership, they should have that choice. But are we, as an industry, ready to meet this demand?
To make this a reality, we will need to invest in technology partnerships, push for standardised data sharing that doesn’t lock us out, and, frankly, keep raising our voices.

The demand is out there, and if we are serious about supporting drivers, we need to be the first in line with a solution that respects their choices and meets their needs.

Connected cars are changing our industry, there is no two ways about it.

But the promise of safer, cleaner roads doesn’t mean we should accept a backdoor to data mining and manufacturer lock-ins.

This technology can be a great tool, but only if the control and the benefits stay with the driver.
Let’s stand up for a connected future that keeps drivers, independent workshops, and the industry we’ve built in the loop.

We’ve got to make sure that every connection counts, and that it is not just the manufacturers who profit from it.

Let’s keep pushing for a fairer, more open road ahead.

If you would like to offer your thoughts on this subject, please email advocacy@aaaa.com.au

This article was originally published in the November Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine