Europe’s major independent automotive data publishing companies have joined forces to found a new industry association to ensure fair access to information for aftersales operators.

The newly created European Independent Automotive Data Publishers Association (ADPA) was formed at a meeting, in Brussels, of representatives from Autodata, Robert Bosch GmbH, HaynesPro, Hella Gutman Solutions, Sator Holding LKQ and TecRMI.

Working together, the businesses hope to create “a competitive framework conditions for independent data publishers”.

The ADPA aim to make it easier for publishers to design and provide competitive, innovative and multibrand products and services to operators of the automotive aftermarket.

Ralf Pelkmann, from TecRMI, is the ADPA’s president. He said: “It is an historic day for the data publishing industry to join forces in view of keeping track of market and EU political developments and of speaking with one voice. Major industry players are represented in the association and we are all proud of this significant achievement.”

Peter Van der Galiën, of HaynesPro, the ADPA’s Vice-President, added: “By making sure that the independent aftermarket operators get all the information they need, the association will ultimately enable competitive choice to motoring consumer and businesses in the care of all vehicles.”