EVENTS
THE CONNECTED CAR: WHO OWNS YOUR DATA?
The final Autopromotec Talks event took place in Milan on February 25th. These were a series of events dedicated to the press held in the months leading up to Autopromotec, which aimed at investigating some of the most topical and important issues involving the automotive aftermarket and that will be explored further during the trade fair itself. Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, Data Access and Made in Italy are the cornerstones of the 2025 edition.
At the heart of the digital transformation of the automotive sector, the talk “THE CONNECTED CAR: WHO OWNS YOUR DATA?” attempted to throw light on the complex dynamics governing data management in modern vehicles. The meeting, which took place at the prestigious headquarters of the Automobil Club Milano, brought together experts from different fields – from academic research to law, from the management of the Automobile Register to precision technologies applied to vehicle alignment and diagnostics – to offer a multi-dimensional analysis of a rapidly evolving sector. After the welcome address by AC Milano Vice President Pietro Meda, Professor Fabio Orecchini, Professor of Energy and Environmental Systems at Guglielmo Marconi University and Director of the Car and Mobility Observatory at the LUISS Business School, opens the debate by presenting the innovative concept of the Automobile Sapiens.
Based on the research “From the Automobile Sapiens, to the Motorist Sapiens – Reactions, expectations and fears towards the car of the new species and analysis of its market penetration”, Fabio Orecchini illustrates how the digital transformation is redefining the role of the motorist.
Data management and ownership are at the heart of
the digital transformation in the automotive sector. The speeches by Prof. Al Mureden and Michele Mangano offer a legal perspective and an operational vision, respectively. They outline the challenges and opportunities of an ecosystem in which transparency, security and data regulation are fundamental pillars for the future of mobility.
In his speech to frame this topic from a regulatory point of view, Prof. Enrico Al Mureden – University of Bologna, starts with the assumption that with almost 18 million connected vehicles in Italy – i.e. 45% of the circulating fleet – the Connected Car imposes itself as a Disruptive Technology, which requires an organic regulatory intervention.
“Traditionally, the information flow to find this data would follow the manufacturer – dealer – tyre dealer route, a process often characterised by delays and difficulties in updating information quickly. Today,” explains Fabio Boni, General Manager of Fasep, “our company uses “data suppliers” and has launched the Data.fasep.it portal, an innovative platform that allows distributors to access and update technical data on each model virtually in real time, even in the presence of nomenclatural variations resulting from different international markets”.
Andrea Cantadori – R&D Senior Consultant, MAHLE Aftermarket Italy – discusses the issues arising from software updates, often carried out in OTA (Over-The-Air) mode.
Igino De Lotto, Marketing Manager, Texa SpA, highlights how access to connected car data has become a major issue for independent garages in recent years.
Marco Pozzatello, CEO and Founding Partner, Adas Mobile Group, explains how the introduction of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) has revolutionised the repair industry.
Roberto Nicolini, Head of Product Management, Nexion SpA, draws attention to a component that has become emblematic of modern vehicles: the windscreen.
Stefano Giorgi, Business Development Manager at Gilbarco Italia, comments on how Clive Humby’s 2006 quote, the title of his speech, is a concept more relevant than ever, especially in the sector of Italy’s 22,187 filling stations.
The meeting was closed by Renzo Servadei – Autopromotec’s CEO – who announced that the 2025 edition will be a not-to-be-missed event for all aftermarket professionals who want to confront the challenges and opportunities of an ever-evolving sector. With an even larger exhibition area and a first-class line-up of innovations, debates and technological solutions, the 30th edition of the biennial will be the best way to celebrate its 60th anniversary.
“At Autopromotec, the connected car is a topic of extraordinary importance, not only for the industry, but also for the motorist.” said Servadei “At the trade fair, not only will it be possible to see the evolution of the standards that are being defined and implemented at the moment, but also to touch the tools that manage the software that plays a leading role in this Software Defined Vehicle revolution. The 30th edition is intended to be a forum for debate on all topics that are of the very utmost relevance and importance to the automotive aftermarket. I would like to remind you that this Autopromotec Talks roadshow, which ended with today’s meeting, focused on crucial issues such as Sustainability, Made in Italy, Artificial Intelligence and Connectivity. All these topics will be at the very heart of the next edition, the core around which it is designed.”
The event takes place in Bologna, 21-24 May 2025: a unique opportunity to discover the future and present of mobility and the aftermarket.
