Manfred H. Heiss Interview
In this interview, Manfred H. Heiss, the founder of MyAutoData (MAUD), shares the inspiration behind the platform, which stemmed from his frustration with how customer data was handled in the automotive industry. MAUD aims to empower users by giving them control over their vehicle data, prioritizing transparency, privacy, and security. The platform offers unique benefits, such as centralized data management, cost tracking, and monetization opportunities. It also promotes sustainability by leveraging data to reduce carbon emissions. With his extensive background in software development and consulting, Heiss envisions MAUD as a global leader in ethical data management and a key player in sustainable transportation solutions.
Driving Innovation
We started the interview by asking, “What inspired you to found MyAutoData (MAUD)?”
Manfred H. Heiss replied, “I founded MAUD as a direct result of my personal dissatisfaction with how customer data was being treated in the automotive and broader consumer industries. Having spent a significant part of my career in software development, project management, and consulting roles at major companies like BMW Group, Oracle, and Hewlett-Packard, I was well-acquainted with how data was being used—often without customer knowledge or consent.
My frustration began on a personal level. I found it difficult to manage and control my own vehicle data. For instance, data for my car and motorcycle were scattered across various paper files, making it tedious to consolidate, retrieve, or even leverage this information for practical purposes.
Beyond this inconvenience, I noticed an alarming issue: many businesses were using and even selling customer data without consent, often prioritizing profits over transparency and fairness. I found this practice deeply unfair and unethical. This observation sparked my vision to create a platform that would empower customers by putting them back in control of their data, allowing them to manage, share, and even monetize it on their terms.
My passion to offer a solution that was both fair and technologically advanced led me to establish MAUD. The platform not only addresses the challenges I faced but also helps individuals worldwide securely store their vehicle data, save time, and benefit from tailored offers—all while protecting their privacy.
Ensuring Transparency and Control
The Worlds Times: How does MAUD address the issue of data misuse and privacy?
Manfred H. Heiss replied, “It tackles data misuse and privacy concerns by prioritizing transparency, security, and user control. At the core of the platform is a secure, encrypted personal data vault that ensures only users have access to their vehicle-related information. MAUD allows users to decide precisely what data they want to share, with whom, and under what conditions, ensuring full transparency. The platform operates ethically, never allowing access for anyone without explicit user consent. It is fully compliant with global privacy regulations like GDPR. Additionally, MAUD’s role as a data trustee instead of a data broker sets it apart, as it focuses on protecting user rights and fostering trust. By combining secure technology with a customer-centric approach, MAUD ensures that users can safely store and share their data without fear of exploitation or misuse.
Exploring the Unique Advantages
The Worlds Times: What unique benefits does MAUD offer to vehicle owners and businesses?
Manfred H. Heiss replied, “MAUD is free for everyone and offers a wide range of benefits to vehicle owners, businesses and cities, making it a game-changer in the automotive and data management space:
- Centralized Personal Data Management: Vehicle owners can digitize and store all their vehicle-related data in one secure platform. This includes insurance records, workshop invoices, maintenance schedules, and more, allowing for easy access and better organization-anytime and everywhere.
- Cost Tracking and Forecasting: The platform provides sophisticated features like cost analysis and forecasting. Users can track their vehicle expenses over different time frames, enabling better budgeting and financial planning.
- Digital Assistance: MAUD’s digital assistant offers convenient reminders for important dates, such as technical inspections or insurance renewals. This feature helps users avoid penalties or missed deadlines.
- Monetization Opportunities: Vehicle owners can unlock and share their data with businesses or cities through the MAUD marketplace. In return, they can earn money, enjoy savings on services, or access free green transportation options.
- Tailored Offers: By sharing specific data, users receive personalized offers for products and services such as insurance, repair, or even new/used vehicles, saving both time and money.
- Environmental Impact: MAUD actively encourages users to participate in creating a greener future. By sharing their data for research and analytics, users contribute to sustainable transportation solutions and carbon reduction efforts.
With these benefits, MAUD enhances convenience, transparency, and value for vehicle owners, redefining how they interact with their vehicle data.
Leveraging a Wealth of Experience
The Worlds Times: How did your professional background prepare you to launch MAUD?
Manfred H. Heiss replied, “My comprehensive international background played a pivotal role in the development and success of MAUD. Over my career, I gained deep expertise in software development, project management, and consulting while working with industry leaders such as BMW, Oracle, and Hewlett-Packard.
At BMW, I was instrumental in setting up joint ventures and conducting turnaround projects, which gave me valuable insights into automotive operations and strategy. My tenure at Oracle involved commercializing industry-specific software solutions, further honing my technical and business acumen. Additionally, my consulting experience with firms like Kearney, Capgemini, and IBM equipped me with skills in advisory, program management, and problem-solving.
My work across multiple countries—Germany, Switzerland, South Africa, Brazil, Singapore, and the USA—provided me with a global perspective on consumer behavior, regulatory environments, and technological trends. This diverse experience, combined with my passion for innovation, enabled me to identify gaps in the market and build a platform like MAUD that addresses real-world challenges with precision and empathy.
Empowering Users and Businesses
The Worlds Times: What role does the MAUD marketplace play in its ecosystem?
Manfred H. Heiss replied, “The MAUD marketplace is a cornerstone of the platform, serving as a bridge between vehicle owners and businesses. It facilitates a fair exchange of value by enabling users to share their data directly with companies or cities in exchange for rewards or tailored offers.
For vehicle owners, the marketplace provides:
- A chance to monetize their data securely and ethically.
- Personalized offers for services like insurance, roadside assistance, and vehicle purchases.
- Time and cost savings through a simplified, digital interaction process.
For businesses and cities, the marketplace offers:
- Access to high-quality, verified data for market research and analysis.
- Cost-effective customer engagement, as businesses can directly target consumers based on their needs.
- A trustworthy platform that ensures data usage complies with legal and ethical standards.
By aligning the interests of consumers and businesses, the MAUD marketplace creates a win-win ecosystem that fosters transparency, efficiency, and mutual benefit.
Driving Sustainability
The Worlds Times: How does MAUD contribute to sustainability and environmental efforts?
Manfred H. Heiss replied, “MAUD actively supports sustainability by leveraging vehicle data for environmental benefits. Users who participate in the platform help create actionable insights for reducing carbon emissions and improving road safety.
For example, by unlocking data for market research, users contribute to the development of greener transportation solutions and smarter city planning. The platform also incentivizes eco-friendly practices by offering rewards for driving green miles and promoting the adoption of sustainable products and services.
Moreover, MAUD’s emphasis on digital solutions reduces the need for paper-based processes, further minimizing its ecological footprint. Through these efforts, MAUD not only empowers users but also helps build a more sustainable future for the automotive industry and the planet.
MAUD’s Vision for Ethical Data Management
Lastly we asked, “What is the long-term vision for MAUD?”
“The long-term vision is to revolutionize how vehicle data is managed, shared, and monetized globally. The platform aims to empower every vehicle owner with full control over their data, ensuring transparency and fairness in the data economy. MAUD envisions becoming the standard for ethical personal data management in the automotive sector, creating a trusted ecosystem where users can benefit directly from their data. Furthermore, the company aspires to contribute to global sustainability efforts by using data to enhance transportation efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. By pioneering this shift in the automotive industry, MAUD seeks to redefine the relationship between consumers, businesses, and technology, creating a future that brings economic benefits and wealth to everyone.” Manfred H. Heiss Concluded
Connect with Manfred H. Heiss on Linkedin
Visit MAUD to learn more about it
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