Auto Industry, Tech Firms Form Connected Car Coalition

April 15, 2015—Several auto industry and Silicon Valley technology firms have formed a new coalition to advance connected-car and autonomous vehicle technologies before federal policymakers and lawmakers, according to a report from Automotive News.

The group, called the Smart Transportation Innovation Coalition, will include the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturer, Association of Global Automakers, National Automobile Dealers Association, Information Technology Industry Council, Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, Intelligent Transportation Society of America, and the Intelligent Car Coalition.

Automotive News said that although the use of connected-car technology has become fairly widespread, government oversight of connected vehicles and data privacy is in its infancy.

The group’s main work will be educating lawmakers and policymakers about the potential benefits offered by advanced vehicle technologies.

Mitch Bainwol, CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, told Automotive News that the coalition hasn't taken any official policy positions yet and is currently working to define the group's agenda.