YOUR QUESTIONS... OUR ANSWERS...

Euro V new European regulation in Europe will change in the near future relationships between vehicle manufacturers and independent repairers. How to prepare this revolution ?

Significant changes will arrive soon in your day to day business with car repairs. European community has decided to apply in all Europe a new regulation called Euro 5/6 Regulation (for Passenger Cars and Light Duty Vehicles) N° 715/2007. Basically, this new regulation will oblige new norms regarding pollution (Euro5 emission standards) but this new regulation contains also fundamental decisions which will change dramatically relationships between vehicle manufacturers and independent repairers regarding access to repair information on vehicles.

DThe new regulation mentions in chapter 8 that it will be mandatory for vehicle manufacturer to give [..unrestricted access to vehicle repair information..] and explains what does it means in chapter 14 [..all information required for diagnosis, servicing, inspection, periodic monitoring, repair, re-programming or re-initialising of the vehicle..]. This set of information will be accessible, according to chapter 15, to [..independent operator means undertakings other than authorised dealers and repairers which are directly or indirectly involved in the repair and maintenance of motor vehicles..]. According to Article 6, the information that we speak about is :

• an unequivocal vehicle identification ;
• service handbooks ;
• technical manuals ;
• component and diagnosis information (such as minimum and maximum theoretical values for measurements) ;
• wiring diagrams ;
• diagnostic trouble codes (including manufacturer specific codes) ;
• the software calibration identification number applicable to a vehicle type ;
• information provided concerning, and delivered by means of, proprietary tools and equipment; and (i) data record information and two-directional monitoring and test data ..].

Practically speaking, you will be allowed to access directly to original manufacturer’s technical information through web sites designed by the car manufacturers. Of course, it will not be free of charge and this is probably one of the key issues of this new regulation even if other article says that [..manufacturers may charge reasonable and proportionate fees..].

One other very interesting point of this Euro V legislation will be the possibility to reflash - re-program vehicle ECUs based on a standardized vehicle interface. Today, you use diagnostic devices that are linked to the car by a specific vehicle interface designed by your diagnostic tool supplier. European community has decided to oblige to use a same standard protocol named J2534 or Passthru protocol to reflash or reprogram ECU. This standard protocol is already used by US garages when reflashing or reprogramming ECUs. Practically speaking, it will possible to access by internet on the OEMs website where you will find the official software of the car manufacturer with the capability to reflash or download an ECU. The question is : does your exiting vehicle interface has already the capability to reflash/download through J2534 protocol.

Multi-Diag vehicle interface gives this capability since the beginning as ACTIA Group was member of the committee which designed with German car manufacturers the specification of the Passthru protocol.

When does Euro V will be effectively applied in Europe ?

In October 2009 for each new vehicle launched on the European market, 2011 for all vehicles still in production after this date on the European market.