Data Without Ethics Is Just Risk: What OEMs Need to Know

During my 25+ years in the automotive industry across automakers, market intelligence, and now Solera, I’ve seen one constant: the companies that handle data responsibly are the ones that lead.

In today’s automotive ecosystem, data moves faster than any vehicle on the road. Every decision, from vehicle design to workshop repair, depends on the quality and integrity of that data. For OEMs, that’s not just a matter of performance. It’s about ethics, compliance, and trust.

A new frontier: responsible access to repair data

A great example is the recent collaboration between Solera Autodata and Digidentity. Together, we’ve launched an MVIS-compliant solution in Australia that gives independent workshops verified access to manufacturer repair data for hybrid and electric vehicles.

This isn’t just a technical integration; it’s a blueprint for the future of ethical data.

Under MVIS rules, OEMs must ensure only certified technicians can access safety-critical information. Solera’s system verifies both identity and qualification before granting entry. As our APAC Managing Director, Chris Iacovou, said, “MVIS is about access to data but also about safety-critical data being accessed in a controlled manner.”

That’s ethical data in action: available but not exposed, shared yet always traceable.

Why this matters for OEMs

1. It protects brand trust

Customers and regulators expect transparency but not at the cost of safety. Ethical data management reinforces confidence that OEMs are doing both.

2. Compliance is now a competitive edge

MVIS, GDPR, and right-to-repair regulations are changing the rules. OEMs that treat compliance as part of the value chain will set new industry benchmarks.

3. Security and collaboration go hand in hand

Our Autodata–Digidentity partnership shows that secure data flows can actually strengthen collaboration, improving efficiency for workshops while protecting OEM IP.

4. It scales globally

Digidentity’s verified digital ID infrastructure, already trusted by governments, shows how ethical frameworks can connect OEMs, dealers, insurers, and repair networks across borders.

The road ahead

Ethical data isn’t just about privacy anymore; it’s the foundation of modern mobility. From connected vehicles to digital repairs, our industry’s progress will depend on how responsibly we manage information.

At Solera, we believe access should be open but controlled, fast yet compliant. That balance keeps vehicles safer, technicians accountable, and consumers confident.

In the next era of mobility, the best brands won’t just build cars that perform. They’ll build data ecosystems that can be trusted.