COVESA and the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) recently announced the signing of an MoU to drive industry-wide interoperability for connected commercial vehicles. The agreement sets the stage for joint efforts between European truck and bus manufacturers and COVESA to develop a standardized onboard API specifically designed to support fleet management applications.

This collaboration marks a significant step toward harmonizing how data is accessed and utilized across commercial vehicle platforms. By building on COVESA’s Vehicle Signal Specification (VSS), the initiative will define an expanded data catalogue tailored to the needs of commercial vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators.

The onboard API will leverage transport protocols already supported by COVESA’s Vehicle Interface Service Specification (VISS), ensuring consistent and reliable access to vehicle data. This consistent data exchange across different OEM platforms is expected to boost integration, efficiency, and scalability of fleet solutions across the industry.

By aligning efforts under this MoU, European truck and bus makers and COVESA are laying the groundwork for a more unified and efficient ecosystem for connected commercial vehicles.

COVESA Commercial Vehicle Group

The signing of this MoU also builds on the momentum of COVESA’s Commercial Vehicle Group, which is leading efforts to identify practical gaps in data collection, recommend best practices, and establish standards that meet the needs of OEMs, fleet operators, and solution providers. By focusing on use cases such as operations, safety, sustainability, compliance, and productivity, this group is helping to shape the future of connected fleet intelligence.

The Expert Group leverages the COVESA VSS as a common data model, aiming to establish it as a foundation for a broader automotive data marketplace. It has already succeeded in attracting diverse stakeholders and aligning with like-minded initiatives, including ACEA FMS, ATA TMC, VDV, and SAE ITC. Key areas of current focus include enabling data-driven insurance models for heavy-duty trucks, advancing in-vehicle API development to enhance data exchange, and expanding the ecosystem for cross-industry collaboration.

COVESA welcomes all interested parties, including U.S.-based heavy-duty truck OEMs, to get involved. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate on open, interoperable standards that streamline data exchange and deliver measurable value. Join us!