Ismaning, February 11, 2026 –
CARUSO Dataplace, our leading connected car data platform, is joining Carmunication, the aftermarket association and lighthouse for in-vehicle data. This strategic partnership comes at a critical time when new vehicle technology and stricter cybersecurity regulations are making repairs and maintenance increasingly complex for independent mechanics.
As vehicles become more connected and software-defined, CARUSO knows that collaboration across the independent aftermarket (IAM) is essential. “CARUSO is in a growth phase, and cooperation in the free market is crucial,” says Peter van der Galiën, Managing Director of CARUSO and CEO at TecAlliance, CARUSO’s parent company.
"Having standardized connected car data is one step, but creating a trusted network with broader support is what will make this data successfully available to the IAM."
Through this partnership, CARUSO will take an active role in shaping the future of vehicle data access. The company will organize task forces with other Carmunication members and develop forward-thinking use cases that demonstrate how independent repair shops can leverage connected car data while meeting stringent security requirements. “There’s an urgent need for insights and solutions for the independent replacement market,” notes Carmunication chairman Freek Blekxtoon.
"New regulations, including the Delegated Act to Annex X and the upcoming renewal of the Block Exemption Regulation (MVBER), will significantly impact how independent companies operate in the free market."
CARUSO’s participation in Carmunication strengthens the association’s ability to serve as a “lighthouse” for in-vehicle data, helping the aftermarket understand what’s happening, navigate the consequences, and identify practical solutions. While Carmunication leaves lobbying to organizations like Fiegiefa, CLEPA, and ADPA (which Carmunication recently joined), its focus remains on providing clear insights and ensuring supply and demand for in-vehicle data come together effectively.
“Data security is a key concern, but everyone should be free to choose their repairer,” emphasizes Blekxtoon. “This means the independent aftermarket must have access to connected car data under adequate security conditions, and that’s exactly where CARUSO’s expertise and infrastructure become invaluable.”
With CARUSO now part of Carmunication, the organization gains a powerful technology partner committed to making connected vehicle data accessible, secure, and actionable for independent repairers across Europe.
From Connected Cars to Connected Business. CARUSO is a neutral, open, and secure marketplace for connected car data, fully owned by TecAlliance. The platform provides seamless access to standardized in-vehicle data from more than 30 leading vehicle manufacturers, covering around 90% of all connected cars in Europe. CARUSO enables a wide range of use cases across fleets, insurance, workshops, the independent aftermarket (IAM), and beyond. With robust consent management, CARUSO ensures data privacy and empowers customers to develop innovative solutions that improve everyday life.
Learn more at www.caruso-dataplace.com.
Tina Rauschenbach
Head of Customer Experience
customerexperience@caruso-dataplace.com
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