Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General
FAQ - ABOUT CONNECTED CAR DATA
What is CARUSO Dataplace?
CARUSO Dataplace is a neutral, open, and secure marketplace for VIN based connected car data, connecting businesses to harmonized multi-brand in-vehicle data from numerous manufacturers using a single, standardized platform.
What are the benefits of using connected car data?
Connected car data enables businesses to optimize fleet management, improve insurance claims, facilitate predictive maintenance, optimize IAM workshops, and power mobility services, all while ensuring data privacy and compliance.
In which countries does CARUSO offer connected car data?
CARUSO provides access to connected car data across all European countries. Our platform offers harmonized, multi-brand in-vehicle data from leading manufacturers throughout Europe, covering more than 85% of the connected car park in Europe. Data is continuously being expanded to include more brands and models across the region.
We are also actively evaluating opportunities outside Europe. If you have a large fleet in a country not currently covered, please contact us, we are open to expanding our service based on demand.
Does CARUSO offer anonymized data or VIN-based data?
CARUSO exclusively offers VIN-based data, meaning that all connected car data is linked to a specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This allows our clients to access detailed, vehicle-specific information for precise insights and services. Our data handling and sharing processes strictly comply with GDPR and data privacy regulations to protect personal and sensitive information.
Currently, we do not offer anonymized data sets.
Data Access & Use
DIVE INTO CARUSO'S PLATFORM
How can I access data for a specific vehicle?
You can request data using the vehicle’s VIN through our platform or API, provided you have the appropriate subscription and end-user consent. To get access to our platform you have to select a membership package: www.caruso-dataplace.com/pricing
What means GDPR?
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is an EU law that protects personal data by ensuring it’s collected, processed, and stored securely with user consent. Compliance means we follow strict rules to safeguard your data, giving you control and transparency.
Why is Caruso Dataplace 100% GDPR compliant?
CARUSO Dataplace uses explicit or contract-based consent for connected car data, encrypt all data transfers, and store information securely. The processes align with GDPR requirements, ensuring vehicle owners’ data is protected and only shared with authorized workshops or partners.
What is a VIN?
A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every motor vehicle when it’s manufactured. It acts as a vehicle’s fingerprint, containing information about its make, model, year, country of origin, and other key details. CARUSO is only able to process any data when the VIN and consent is provided.
How do I provide consent?
We differentiate between explicit user consent and contract-based user consent for sharing connected car data.
Contract-based consent is primarily used in fleet use cases. In these scenarios, contracts are established to ensure that the appropriate vehicle data is shared by the vehicle owner with the relevant parties, such as workshops or fleet managers. This approach streamlines data access while maintaining compliance and security.
Explicit consent involves specific triggers that initiate either a synchronous or asynchronous consent process. Typically, this occurs through an email notification and/or a dedicated platform provided by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Explicit consent ensures that vehicle owners actively agree to share their data, enhancing transparency and control.
Which vehicle brands and models are supported?
We cover a broad range of major vehicle brands across Europe, currently over 85% of the connected car park in Europe and expanding. You can check out all vehicles under: www.caruso-dataplace.com/connected-car-makes-and-models/
How does the pricing model work? What are data credits?
Data consumption is managed via data credits that renew each billing cycle. Each memberhship package includes data credits. You can also buy additional data credits. Each data consumption will be deducted from your data credit. In case the data credit is consumed you can pay your consumption via invoice. Unused credits do not roll over.
Industry Use Cases
WHO CAN USE CONNECTED CAR DATA?
How do fleet managers/ fleet software providers benefit from CARUSO Dataplace?
Fleet managers and fleet software providers can automate maintenance, asset tracking, and driver behavior monitoring by leveraging real-time car data, improving efficiency and safety. Get more insights here: https://www.caruso-dataplace.com/fleet-management/
How does in-vehicle data help insurance providers?
Real-time crash data, pay as you drive, pay how you drive, and vehicle diagnostics speed up claims processing, validate events, and enhance risk modeling for insurers. Read more about it here: https://www.caruso-dataplace.com/insurance/
How do Independent automotive workshops benefit from CARUSO Dataplace?
IAM (Independent Aftermarket) workshops can access detailed diagnostics, maintenance history, and live vehicle data through CARUSO Dataplace. This enables more accurate troubleshooting, targeted servicing, and improved customer satisfaction by leveraging connected car insights tailored to multi-brand vehicles. Find more infromation here: https://www.caruso-dataplace.com/car-workshops/
How does CARUSO Dataplace support roadside assistance?
The platform provides real-time diagnostics, gives access to the vehicle location, and contextual data such as crash information and can be combined with environmental conditions. This empowers roadside assistance teams to respond faster, optimize dispatch, and improve first-time fix rates, enhancing overall customer experience. Discover more: https://www.caruso-dataplace.com/roadside-assistance/
How do mobility providers benefit from connected car data?
Mobility providers can optimize fleet utilization, monitor vehicle health in real time, and enhance user experience by using connected car data. The platform supports innovative services like dynamic pricing, predictive maintenance, and better route planning to improve operational efficiency.
Platform & Integration
HOW TO CONSUME CONNECTED CAR DATA
How is data standardized and how does integration work?
The platform converts diverse car data formats into standardized, interoperable data, ensuring compatibility and consistency for third-party systems and developers. With one simple API the data can be integrated. You will be informed about any updates from the OEMs and the data is always up-to-date.
Does the platform offer developer support and documentation?
Yes, an extensive developer portal is provided, including integration guidelines, email and in-person support, virtual vehicles to test your use case, API documentation, and consulting.
Any Questions?
We would be happy to hear from you.
Head Office
Edmund-Rumpler-Straße 5
51149 Köln
Germany
Legal Entity
Steinheilstraße 10
85737 Ismaning
Germany