The work of the European Commission on the definition of a standardized vehicle data access platform continues without let up. A study is, in fact, currently evaluating the feasibility of the proposals on the table. Meanwhile, German manufacturers and component suppliers have signed an agreement to support a system in which all data will have to pass through a car manufacturer's portal, which, on paper, meets all the free-competition policy requirements, but in reality is causing many sleepless nights for a number independent workshops.
 

“Self-driving cars” will greatly limit the number of accidents on the roads and old insurance policies will soon be eliminated. Nevertheless, according to Matteo Carbone, director of the Connected Insurance Observatory, new policies against cyber risks, integrated services as well as the use of the so called “black box” represents a new business opportunity for insurance companies.
 

Electricity represents mobility’s future, yet the expensive battery packs and the lack of a suitable recharging infrastructure is slowing down its diffusion. The 35% threshold of eco-friendly vehicles circulating worldwide will be reached no sooner than 2040. This is how Italy is moving compared to the rest of Europe.
 

More and more car owners are buying aftermarket components, such as accessories and tires, online and at competitive prices. A growing business which is likely to erode the revenues of many workshops and specialized dealers forced now to invest in e-commerce, where end-users are attracted by: low costs and detailed product information.
 

Self-driven, always connected and able to communicate with people, objects and surrounding infrastructures. Connected cars are bound to change the automotive market as well as the aftermarket. A challenge for vehicle manufacturers, traditional OEMs and hi-tech enterprises, wherein “cyber security” will play a crucial role.
 

Customs excise, international trade agreements review and the return to fossil fuels. Trump’s America is an unknown territory for the automobile industry.