Cloud OEM is the way of accessing a vehicle’s data in which the telematics information comes straight from the manufacturer (OEM) over the cloud, with no aftermarket device installed. “OEM” stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer — the carmaker that builds the vehicle.
How it works
Connected vehicles already transmit data to their manufacturer through factory-fitted connectivity. With Cloud OEM, the manufacturer makes that same data available to a service provider chosen by the fleet’s owner or operator — with their consent and in line with the EU Data Act. The provider (Optivo, for example) receives it via API and surfaces it on a management dashboard.
This is the technology that makes hardware-free fleet tracking possible: you add the VIN to activate a vehicle. Several groups have structured their offering — Stellantis, for instance, through Mobilisights (how it works in detail).
When it makes sense
Cloud OEM is especially suited to recent fleets and to leased or long-term rental vehicles, where avoiding hardware on vehicles you don’t own simplifies management and return. Coverage depends on make and model year — see Optivo’s Cloud OEM platform.
FAQ
Are Cloud OEM and telematics the same thing?
No. Telematics is the technology that collects and transmits vehicle data. Cloud OEM is one of the ways that data reaches you: straight from the manufacturer, with no extra hardware.
Do you need consent to use Cloud OEM?
Yes. Data access requires the consent of the vehicle’s owner or operator under the EU Data Act. It’s an enforceable right, not something the manufacturer grants at its discretion.