The CARUSO Connected Vehicle Field Test 5.0 (CVFT 5.0) report arrives at a pivotal moment for the connected vehicle industry. One year after the EU Data Act became applicable in September 2025, this independent field study offers a clear, data-driven look at how car manufacturers are complying with the regulation. Available as a free download from CARUSO Dataplace, the report systematically evaluates the Data Act solutions of all major automotive brands, providing essential insights for third-party service providers, fleet operators, insurers, and mobility startups.
The EU Data Act grants vehicle owners the legal right to access and share their car’s data with any third party of their choice. In theory, this should unlock a wave of innovation in mobility services. However, the CVFT 5.0 reveals that the reality is more complex. While some manufacturers have implemented compliant solutions, others lag behind, and the overall ecosystem remains fragmented. This review explores what the report covers, what stands out, who it benefits, and why it is a must-read for anyone involved in connected vehicle data.
What is the CARUSO CVFT 5.0 Report?
The Connected Vehicle Field Test 5.0 is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by CARUSO GmbH, a neutral and secure marketplace for connected vehicle data. From September 2025 to July 2026, CARUSO assessed how every major car manufacturer has implemented the EU Data Act’s requirements for data sharing. The report goes beyond theoretical compliance; it tests real-world usability, data availability, and the technical and commercial conditions that third parties face when trying to access vehicle data.
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The study was supported by ten leading European industry associations, including FIA Region I, Insurance Europe, and Leaseurope, underscoring its industry-wide relevance. The result is a fact-based benchmark that highlights both progress and persistent gaps. For anyone building services on connected vehicle data, this report provides the first independent, cross-manufacturer snapshot of the post-Data Act landscape.
What stands out in the report
The CVFT 5.0 report delivers several critical findings that are essential for understanding the current state of vehicle data access. Here are the standout points:
Highly heterogeneous implementation across manufacturers
Some carmakers had Data Act-compliant solutions ready in September 2025, while others took months longer. A few still offer no way for drivers to share their data with third parties. This inconsistency makes it difficult for service providers to build scalable, multi-brand offerings.
No common data set across brands
The European Commission has provided guidance on which data points should be available for sharing, but the report finds substantial differences between manufacturers. Without a common set of data items, use cases cannot be rolled out across all brands, limiting the potential for universal mobility services.
User activation remains a barrier
End users often struggle with the process of granting data access. Many manufacturers rely on apps, portals, forms, or even email requests. For non-digital natives, the experience is neither simple nor intuitive, leading to high drop-off rates that stifle business models.
Delivery methods and data quality vary widely
Automated, scalable use cases require modern APIs or streaming technologies. However, many manufacturers still use web forms, email, or downloadable files. This lack of standardization increases integration costs and limits real-time applications.
Diverse pricing and packaging models
When third parties want to access vehicle data, they encounter a wide range of pricing—from €0 to over €30 per vehicle per month. Some manufacturers allow à la carte data point selection, while others force predefined bundles, reducing flexibility.
Who should download this report
The CARUSO CVFT 5.0 report is designed for any organization that relies on connected vehicle data. Fleet managers can use it to understand which brands offer the most accessible data for telematics and maintenance. Insurers will find valuable insights for usage-based insurance models. Independent repair shops and mobility service providers can benchmark manufacturers’ openness and plan their multi-brand strategies.
Even automotive OEMs and regulators can benefit from the report’s transparency. It highlights where the industry meets compliance and where further harmonization is needed. For startups and developers building connected car applications, the report is a practical guide to navigating the current Data Act landscape.
Pricing and availability
The CVFT 5.0 report is available completely free of charge. Anyone can download it directly from the CARUSO Dataplace website without any registration or payment. This open-access approach ensures that the findings reach the widest possible audience, from small startups to large enterprises. Additionally, CARUSO offers expert workshops for teams that want deeper analysis or help implementing the report’s recommendations.
Given the report’s depth and the cost of conducting such a systematic evaluation, the free availability represents exceptional value. There are no hidden fees or upsells—just actionable data and analysis.
What makes it worth considering
The CVFT 5.0 stands out because it is not a theoretical exercise; it is a hands-on field test that measures real-world compliance. CARUSO’s neutral position as a data marketplace ensures unbiased evaluation. The report is backed by ten major industry associations, adding credibility and ensuring that the findings reflect the concerns of the entire mobility ecosystem.
Furthermore, the timing is perfect. With the EU Data Act now in effect, companies need to know which manufacturers are truly open and which are creating barriers. The report’s detailed comparison of data sets, pricing, and delivery methods gives decision-makers the information they need to choose partners and plan investments. It also highlights user experience issues that, if addressed, could unlock massive scale for third-party services.
Verdict
The CARUSO CVFT 5.0 report is an indispensable, free resource for anyone navigating EU Data Act compliance in the connected vehicle ecosystem. It provides a clear, evidence-based picture of where the industry stands and what still needs to improve. For its depth, independence, and actionable insights, it earns a strong recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
It is a systematic evaluation by CARUSO of how major car manufacturers implement the EU Data Act for connected vehicle data sharing.
CARUSO GmbH, a neutral data marketplace for connected vehicle data, published the report.
Yes, the report is available free of charge on the CARUSO website.
It evaluates the Data Act compliance solutions of all major vehicle manufacturers, focusing on data access and sharing capabilities.
Implementation is highly heterogeneous, no common data set exists across brands, user activation is difficult, and data delivery methods vary widely.
The evaluation took place from September 2025 to July 2026.
Ten leading European industry associations, including ADPA, AIRC, AME, CLEPA, EGEA, FIA Region I, FIGIEFA, Insurance Europe, Leaseurope, and Tyres Europe.
