From silos to systems: Rethinking the future of the mobility aftermarket 

At the recent Ecosys@Bosch Power Talk, our Chief Data & Technology Officer and Board Member Marina Ribke, shared a clear message: the mobility aftermarket is entering a new era, one where collaboration and data interoperability will define success. 

A shift from components to connections 

Mobility is no longer just about physical components. Vehicles are becoming connected platforms, offering real-time diagnostics, digital services, and seamless user experiences with one-click buttons. This shift moves the industry from hardware challenges to data problems, where value depends on how well data flows between systems. 

A brief history of scalable infrastructure 

Since the beginning, we have focused on making industry-wide data usable, accessible, and standardized. Marina highlighted four major milestones in this evolution:

1994 – TecDoc: digitized vehicle parts data 

2000 – TecCom: streamlined B2B ordering processes 

2013 – TecRMI: enabled structured repair and maintenance data 

2017 – Caruso: introduced connected car data into the aftermarket 

Today, our platforms support players in over 145 countries, helping them operate more efficiently and deliver smarter services. 

Evolution through technology 

In the early days, parts data was shared on paper. TecDoc moved that to floppy disks, then CD-ROMs, followed by online platforms, and now to cloud-based access. Each phase improved speed, reach, and consistency. 

But simply making data available isn’t enough anymore. What matters now is making that data usable across systems, in real time, and at scale. 

Why connected car data matters 

Connected vehicles generate more data than ever, but each OEM structures it differently. That makes development, integration, and service delivery difficult for companies working across brands. 

We’ve responded with a standardized API that translates over 300 connected car data points into a unified format. This supports real-world use cases such as:

  • Roadside assistance 
  • Usage-based insurance 
  • Fleet performance tracking 
  • Remote diagnostics 

Our coverage already includes 90% of the connected car market in Europe, with data from about 100 million vehicles today. 

Turning data into value 

Data alone doesn’t drive innovation. We work closely with insurers on real-time accident notifications, fleet managers on sustainability metrics, and mobility providers on diagnostics that no longer require cables. These early-stage initiatives are already delivering tangible results, and they’re shaping the blueprint for what comes next. 

Interoperability is the next step

Today, the aftermarket is fragmented. More than 30,000 disconnected tools and systems exist across workshops and suppliers in Europe. This complexity blocks insight and slows innovation. 

The next phase requires connecting, not just accessing, data. That means creating real interoperability between OEMs, suppliers, workshops, and platforms. Without it, even the best AI solutions will not reach their full potential. 

This is how we built TecDoc. It’s how we’re building the connected aftermarket today. And it’s how we believe the future of this industry will be shaped through focus, collaboration, and meaningful progress. 

We must work together across brands, technologies, and ecosystems. Now is the time to shape the connected future of the mobility aftermarket.