NHTSA Tells Brands to Ignore Mass. Telematics Law
Regulator says federal statute takes precedence.
The NHTSA said the state's law could give criminals entree to remotely command vehicles.
IMAGE: Pexels/Pixabay
Federal regulators advised automakers to ignore a Massachusetts vehicle telematics law and to instead abide by a federal statute.
A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration letter to major brands says the state and federal laws related to telematics conflict and that the state one could make vehicles vulnerable to malicious actors.
The Massachusetts law, passed in 2020 after voter referendum approval, requires that carmakers who sell in the state give buyers and independent repairers access to each vehicle’s telematics information for repair diagnosis, allowing for non-dealership repairs.
But the regulator said such access could give criminals entree to remotely command vehicles.
The automotive industry, led by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, sued to block the law.
LEARN MORE: Group Acts to Block Right-to-Repair Law
More Dealer Ops
Ladies and Gentlemen, This Is a Dealership: Why the Fundamentals Still Decide Who Wins
A teaching moment by a legendary football coach happens to apply perfectly in the auto retail space. Learn what it is and how to use it to your store’s advantage.
Read More →
Timing the Market Can Hurt Long-Term Program Performance
For dealer-owned reinsurance entities, avoiding volatility entirely can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long term surplus growth. Missing just a handful of strong market days can materially impact cumulative returns—an important reminder for long horizon trust and investment strategies.
Read More →
Dealer Ads and the FTC
The agency has made it clear in recent enforcement actions and warnings, in auto retail and other industries, that advertised prices must include all nonoptional costs to the consumer.
Read More →
Used Autos Supply Dwindles
The March shopping surge, despite high prices, cut into inventory by the most since the thick of the pandemic, Cox Automotive analysts calculated.
Read More →
Managing Risk Effectively Through Changing Times
The variables influencing risk pricing have changed significantly over the past five years. Being proactive and responsive to emerging trends is not optional but essential.
Read More →
Survey Reveals What Won't Fix What's Breaking Car Sales
AutoPayPlus says extra-long auto loans are trapping consumers and threatening the dealer trade-in cycle, and that the industry is leveraging the wrong tools to combat high MSRPs.
Read More →
IA American Appoints Two Execs
Senior vice presidents of the company's agent and dealer channels chosen to support general agents and help auto dealers with sales and performance.
Read More →
Cox Automotive Acquires Inspection Firm
Full ownership of Alliance Inspection Management, or AiM, meant to unlock growth for Manheim inspection capabilities
Read More →
Assurant Expands Partnership With Holman
Extended collaboration delivers training, products and performance development to 30 newly acquired Holman dealerships
Read More →
Franchises, Throughput Down in First Half
A handful of states see franchise growth through June, while EV sales per store boost overall business in U.S.
Read More →