Euro 5 what’s it all about?

3 March 2014  

By Neil Pattemore

The legislation is based on Competition Law and is enforced as part of the vehicle’s type approval requirements for new models since September 2009 or for all new vehicles being sold from 1st January 2011. Car manufacturers are required to provide data, information and tools for all vehicle access in a standardised, non-discriminatory and unrestricted manner compared to that provided to their authorised (main) dealers.

So what is behind this story? A lot of resource and effort was invested in fighting for the rights of access to the complete vehicle Repair and Maintenance Information (RMI) for independent operators by various industry aftermarket associations working in Brussels with the European legislators. Together, these industry organisations represent more than 830,000 enterprises employing 4.6 million people across Europe as well as 34 million motoring consumers affiliated to motoring and touring clubs.

Make no mistake; this is a game-changing legislation that delivers full rights of access for ‘bumper to bumper’ RMI from every vehicle manufacturer.

There is a complete chain of interlinked aftermarket businesses, all of whom need a lot of vehicle manufacturers’ information. Starting with the parts manufacturers who need design and functionality information to allow them to manufacturer many of the key parts for the engine and emissions systems. Parts distributors now get ‘unequivocal parts identification’ to allow cross-reference to the original manufacturer’s part numbers – technical information providers, through to the diagnostic tool manufacturers all benefit. Perhaps best of all, you will be able to communicate with the vehicle to re-configure or code the replacement part to allow it to function correctly and finish the job without having to take the vehicle to the main dealer. You also have rights of access to the online electronic service records to update them when the work is completed.

To start with, you can work on newer vehicles even if they are still under the manufacturer’s warranty as you can now access the vehicle RMI within a maximum of six months from when the vehicle was placed on the market.

The information on the vehicle manufacturers’ websites is not free but the costs of access must be ‘reasonable and proportionate’ and also reflect the extent of its use. You will be able to purchase the RMI you need on a single transaction, daily, monthly or yearly basis. However, a lot of the RMI you need will still be available from many of the aftermarket sources you already use, such as your parts suppliers, diagnostic tool suppliers or technical information providers. If you need more specific information about a particular vehicle then you can choose to visit the vehicle manufacturer’s website.

To make it easier for independent workshops, part of the Euro 5 legislation requires vehicle manufacturers to use standardised terminology to describe the various parts and components of a vehicle and this information must be accessible through a standardised website that makes navigating around the website and selecting the correct information you need as quick and simple as possible (all this is defined in ISO 18541).

You can re-program the vehicle electronic control units (ECUs) by using a Windows-based PC, connected to a Euro 5 standardised vehicle communication interface (VCI) and the internet to use ‘pass-through’ downloading of vehicle manufacturer’s software from the standardised website through the vehicle’s 16 pin connector – all in your own workshop.

The legislation will also soon include the ability for IOs to apply through a Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) to become an approved automotive business, employing authorised employees to access and use security related RMI.

This access to RMI also applies to Heavy Duty Vehicles and will shortly apply to motorcycles and even tractors, agricultural and forestry equipment.

A recent industry report indicated that Euro 5 is already creating €0.6 billion of additional annual revenues for the OEMs in Western Europe and this will rise steeply as the Euro 5 vehicles become more commonplace – if VM’s are collecting these sorts of revenues, then it means that IO’s are starting to buy the VM data to also increase their own business revenues.

This legislation brings IO’s closer to main dealer levels so grasp this opportunity and start competing – it is a much more level playing field. A lot of people have worked very hard over a long period to achieve this game changing legislation – it’s up to you to use it and exploit the opportunities it brings.

Are you having trouble accessing RMI or training information that you need for servicing Euro 5 vehicles? Send your thoughts to phil@aftermarket.co.uk and we will pass them on to FIGIEFA, the European body lobbying for better access to vehicle data.

xenconsultancy.com

Definitions from (EC) No. 715/2007 Euro 5 legislation:

‘Vehicle repair and maintenance information’ (RMI) means all information required for diagnosis, servicing, inspection, periodic monitoring, repair, re-programming or re-initialising of the vehicle and which the manufacturers provide for their authorised dealers and repairers, including all subsequent amendments and supplements to such information. This includes all information required for fitting parts or equipment on vehicles.

‘Independent operator’ means undertakings other than authorised dealers and repairers which are directly or indirectly involved in the repair and maintenance of motor vehicles, in particular: repairers, manufacturers or distributors of repair equipment, tools or spare parts, publishers of technical information, automobile clubs, roadside assistance operators, operators offering inspection and testing services, operators offering training for installers, manufacturers and repairers of equipment for alternative fuel vehicles.