A Deep Dive into Vehicle APIs and Their Transformative Impact

Vehicle APIs are an essential part of the automotive industry’s digital transformation. APIs, or Application Programming Interfaces, are connections that enable vehicle apps to communicate with other applications or software platforms. They can be integrated into a vehicle’s OEM and non-OEM parts, ready to be used. APIs in the automotive industry are not only limited to vehicle-only use cases. They can serve as Mobility-as-a-service APIs for individuals to utilise services on demand or allow businesses to reach out to customers more quickly. 

Over the years, Vehicle Data APIs have revolutionised the way we access and utilise vehicle data. It has incorporated a range of advanced features and capabilities like comprehensive data coverage, real-time updates, and enhanced data analysis tools, that will redefine the way we access and utilise vehicle data. 

7 Major Uses of APIs in the Automotive Industry 

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, APIs will play an increasingly important role in enabling new and innovative services. Some of the major applications today include; 

Mobile and vehicle applications integration: APIs can be used to integrate mobile apps on a driver’s smartphone and their vehicle’s Human Machine Interface (HMI). Using mobile apps, the driver can control numerous car functions such as unlocking and starting the vehicle remotely, making calls, returning missed calls, and viewing apps such as Calendar, Apple Music, Gmail, etc., on a vehicle’s info system. 

Identifying Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) & Licence Plates: APIs can be used to identify licence plates and VIN. The users can use these APIs to translate a simple picture into characters showing a car’s VIN, licence plate, or barcode. 

Vehicle Data History Report: It can provide vehicle data history reports. These reports can include information such as accident history, service history, and ownership history. 

Vehicle Specifications: It can provide vehicle specifications such as engine type, fuel type, transmission type, and more. 

Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) APIs: APIs can be used to provide Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) APIs for individuals to utilise services on demand or allow businesses to reach out to customers more quickly.  

Vehicle Repair and Maintenance: APIs can be used to provide vehicle repair and maintenance information. This information can include service schedules, recall information, and more.  

Auto insurance: APIs can be used to provide auto insurance information. This information can include quotes, policy information, and more. 

Recent Trends in Vehicle APIs in Automotive 

Vehicle Data APIs have been a game-changer in the automotive industry, and their importance has only grown in recent years. Here are some of the trends we are seeing in Vehicle Data APIs in the automotive sector: 

Real-time data is becoming increasingly important in the automotive industry. Vehicle Data APIs are now capable of providing real-time data on various aspects of a vehicle, such as its location, speed, and fuel consumption. This data can be used to improve driver safety, optimise fuel efficiency, and enhance the overall driving experience. 

Predictive analytics is another trend that is gaining traction in the automotive industry. Vehicle Data APIs can now be used to predict maintenance issues before they occur, allowing for proactive maintenance and reducing downtime. Predictive analytics can also be used to predict vehicle value, which can help with vehicle valuation and pricing. 

Vehicle Data APIs can now be used to collect and analyse vast amounts of data, which can be used to train AI models. These models can then be used to make predictions and recommendations, such as predicting maintenance issues or recommending the best route to take. 

Vehicle Data APIs are also being used to improve customer service in the automotive industry. By providing real-time data on a vehicle’s location and status, Vehicle Data APIs can help dealerships and service centres provide better customer service. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. 

Finally, Vehicle Data APIs are being used to increase transparency in the automotive industry. By providing real-time data on a vehicle’s history and condition, Vehicle Data APIs can help buyers make more informed decisions. This can lead to more transparent and fair transactions in the automotive marketplace. 

What can we expect in the future? 

The automotive industry is expected to see more automakers offering Car APIs to attract new customers and create new revenue streams.  

A Merit expert says, “In addition, we will also see an increase in the number of third-party developers creating innovative new applications and services that can be integrated into existing Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platforms.” 

APIs will play an increasingly important role in enabling new and innovative services as the automotive industry continues to evolve. 

Merit’s Expertise in Data Aggregation & Harvesting for the Global Automotive Sector 

Merit Data and Technology excels in aggregating and harvesting automotive data using AI, ML, and human expertise. Our capabilities include: 

• Crafting end-to-end data pipelines and scalable data warehouses 
• Designing compliant governance solutions for seamless integration 
• Utilising high-volume, high-velocity data tools for nuanced insights 
• Extracting retail product attributes and audience data 
• Aggregating industry-specific data points for informed decision-making 

Trusted by leading automotive brands, Merit drives innovation and efficiency by delivering refined, actionable insights.

Key Takeaways 

Vehicle APIs in Digital Transformation: 

• Crucial for the automotive industry’s digital shift, enabling communication between vehicle apps and other platforms. 
• Extend beyond vehicles, serving as Mobility-as-a-Service APIs for individuals and businesses. 

Revolutionising Vehicle Data Access: 

• Vehicle Data APIs transform how we access and utilise data with advanced features like real-time updates and enhanced analysis tools. 

Major Applications of APIs in Automotive: 

• Integration with mobile apps for remote vehicle control. 
• Identification of VIN and licence plates. 
• Comprehensive vehicle data history reports. 
• Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) APIs. 
• Vehicle repair, maintenance, and auto insurance information. 

Recent Trends in Vehicle Data APIs: 

• Real-time data on location, speed, and fuel consumption. 
• Predictive analytics for maintenance and efficiency. 
• AI training using collected data. 
• Enhanced customer service and transparency. 

Future Outlook: 

• Anticipated growth in automakers offering Car APIs. 
• Rise in third-party developers creating innovative applications. 
• Continued vital role of APIs in driving new automotive services.