Government requires vehicle fuel consumption data

[EV convert]

My Trophy finally goes in for three software updates on Friday and the dealer has an on-line 'check in' which has to be completed prior to the work being carried out.

The final page of the check-in requires a 'signature' carries this message: 'We are required by law to read, download and share your vehicles fuel consumption data with the UK authorities. I consent to this data being shared.'

Does anybody know of this requirement as it is news to me?

Do your dealers make such a request?

As MG also make ICE cars, it would be good to know if those owners are also required to share data.

 

[PristDean]

Never come across that. Used two MG dealerships thus far (one I booked in online) and an independent EV specialist, none of which has ever stated or asked for that.

 

[Alb]

I've never come across this before.

 

[EV convert]

Interesting: Will ask questions when I drop the car off.

 

[PristDean]

My Trophy finally goes in for three software updates on Friday and the dealer has an on-line 'check in' which has to be completed prior to the work being carried out.

The final page of the check-in requires a 'signature' carries this message: 'We are required by law to read, download and share your vehicles fuel consumption data with the UK authorities. I consent to this data being shared.'

Does anybody know of this requirement as it is news to me?

Do your dealers make such a request?

As MG also make ICE cars, it would be good to know if those owners are also required to share data.

When you do speak to them, in addition ask "which UK authorities exactly?" and "Under which UK law?"

 

[EV convert]

Will give it a go!

 

[PristDean]

The more I read that, the more I think it conflicts with GDPR. The consumption data will likely consist of mileage, mp/Kwh, speed, braking and more if recorded. That is in effect your personal data.

 

[EV convert]

PristDean: I see your point

 

[tsedge]

Depends what they capture, if there's a relevant law it is possibly also under an exemption from GDPR, there are some sweeping exemptions for the state.

I can't find a law about this.

 

[EV convert]

tsedge: Nor could I but I don't always know where to look or what to type into the search bar as these things are often written in impenetrable legal speak.

 

[Ian Key]

I wonder if someone at the dealers has misread something and taken it as law. A quick google search found this:
https://climate.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2019-10/report_fuel_consumption_en.pdf

 

[PristDean]

From what I understand data can be captured if required by relevant authorities to investigate a crime for example. But if their objective is to do this to sell the data for marketing and research purposes, or their own research, then for one it's misleading and two potentially breaching GDPR

 

[WonkoTheSaneUK]

Just tell them to record it as 0mpg.

 

[EV convert]

Well folks, with a lead from Ian Key, I have found that there is a requirement for dealers to collect real world fuel consumption data on new cars and vans for the purpose of CO2 monitoring - which it appears the UK is 'obliged' to collect. See attached.
However, following a quick scan, I can see nothing about battery electric vehicles (only hybrids) and there appears to be an opt-out for drivers to refuse the collection of this information (main EU document point 13 in preamble and point 1 in chapter 3 - article 9).
The UK briefing doesn't mention electric vehicles or opt-outs.
The data to be collected is detailed in the annex.
Not exactly sure where the transparency and openness was omitted but the whole data gathering operation is news to me.
What are your views?

PS: Having taken my Trophy in at 8.30am, I drove it away again at 6pm without the update having been made - it didn't even make it into the workshop for the work to be carried out (although they may have done the data scan). I was told that to do the update they need to communicate with China but this had been a problem all day - not sure if this is true but I could see 3 MG4 all waiting for what may be the same updates.
They are supposed to be picking it up on Tuesday but so far the promised text showing the appointment is yet to appear.

 

[Ian Key]

I was told that to do the update they need to communicate with China but this had been a problem all day - not sure if this is true but I could see 3 MG4 all waiting for what may be the same updates.

This is a common problem for the dealers. Why MG have don't have the updates stored on servers either in the UK or Europe is ? stupid and aggravating for both the customer and dealers.

 

[EV convert]

Beggars belief doesn't it!

 

[WonkoTheSaneUK]

This is a common problem for the dealers. Why MG have don't have the updates stored on servers either in the UK or Europe is ? stupid and aggravating for both the customer and dealers.

They have offices in London. An extra PC there, configured to serve updates to dealers won't take up much room!

 

[Ian Key]

They have offices in London. An extra PC there, configured to serve updates to dealers won't take up much room!

I believe SAIC also have their research and development site for MG at Longbridge. Well out of the way of you know who at customer services.