Equipment & Tool Institute

What Equipment & Tool Institute does

Equipment & Tool Institute (ETI) is a not-for-profit trade association founded in 2006 that serves as the neutral intermediary between global vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) and the automotive aftermarket tool, equipment, and service industry. Its core function is facilitating OEM data licensing for scan-tool and diagnostics companies through standardized agreements (covering BMW, Ford, GM, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Stellantis, Toyota, VW/Audi, and others), a TEK-NET Library of more than 300 GB of OEM diagnostic data spanning from 1981 to present, TekHub (a Europe-only knowledge platform), and OEM secure gateway integration pathways via AutoAuth. ETI also operates Vertical Groups in Cybersecurity, Diagnostics & Repair, Data Access & Telematics, ADAS, and Training, and delivers industry events (ToolTech and the Industry Technology Conference) that connect OEM engineering staff with aftermarket members. ETI is governed by an elected Board of Directors and operates a small professional staff across two entities: Equipment and Tool Institute (US, headquartered in Farmington Hills, MI) and ETI Europe Limited (UK, headquartered in York).

Name

Equipment & Tool Institute

Legal name

Equipment and Tool Institute

Website

https://etools.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Equipment & Tool Institute (ETI) is a not-for-profit trade association that facilitates OEM vehicle diagnostic data licensing for automotive aftermarket tool and equipment manufacturers, operating the TEK-NET Library, TekHub, vertical working groups, and annual industry events across the US and Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automotive Industry Trade Association

SIC

Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

Data Engineering, Integration & ETL/ELT Services (BPAEAHAB)

Keywords

• Automotive diagnostic data
• OEM data licensing
• Trade association services
• Vehicle repair information
• Scan tool standards

Headquarters

HQ city

Farmington Hills

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: ETI generates revenue through tiered membership dues based on company size and total turnover of automotive tools, equipment and services. Multiple membership tiers exist: Training Membership, Associate Membership, Full Membership, and Full Membership with Data Access.
2. Event Registration Fees: Revenue from ToolTech and Industry Technology Conference events. ITC 2026 registration is $899 per person to cover food and facility costs.
3. OEM Data Licensing Facilitation: ETI acts as a facilitator for OEM data licensing agreements. While membership fees are separate, some OEMs charge license fees for data access that are facilitated through ETI but not included in membership dues. Examples include BMW ($25,000 one-time + $2,000 annual), Nissan ($25,000 security gateway fee), and others.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Equipment & Tool Institute (ETI) is a not-for-profit trade association that facilitates OEM vehicle diagnostic data licensing for automotive tool and equipment manufacturers. ETI operates member-only digital platforms—the TEK-NET Library (300+ GB of OEM diagnostic data) and the TekHub knowledge platform for European members—and runs industry events such as ToolTech and the Industry Technology Conference to convene OEMs, tool makers, and aftermarket professionals.

Product overview

ETI is a not-for-profit trade association that serves as a central hub for the automotive tool and equipment industry, offering a portfolio of information services and platforms rather than a single product. The core offerings include the TEK-NET Library (a 300+ GB member-only repository of OEM vehicle data and diagnostic specifications), TekHub (ETI Europe's dedicated knowledge platform with technical briefings and vertical group resources), and OEM Gateway Access services (facilitating secure diagnostic communication with Nissan and Stellantis vehicles through licensing frameworks). These are complemented by TEK-NET OEM Data Licensing services that enable scan tool manufacturers to license vehicle manufacturer data, and by flagship events (ToolTech and Industry Technology Conference) that provide networking and OEM engagement opportunities. The organization operates membership tiers including Full Membership with Data Access, Full Membership, Associate Membership, and Trainers Membership, each with differentiated access to these platforms and services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• TEK-NET Library Member-only repository of over 300 GB of OEM vehicle diagnostic and service data including control unit descriptions, communication protocols, trouble codes, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic specifications for scan tool development and aftermarket service operations.
• TekHub Dedicated knowledge platform for ETI Europe members providing technical briefings, standards updates, meeting notes, and working documents from specialist Vertical Groups covering cybersecurity, diagnostics, telematics, ADAS, and training topics.
• TEK-NET OEM Data Licensing Facilitation service that connects ETI members with vehicle manufacturers to license OEM diagnostic data, control unit specifications, and service information from brands such as BMW, Ford, GM, Honda, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and others.
• Nissan Secure Gateway Access Provides steps, license agreements, and gateway/MAC key licensing information required for authenticated scan tool communication with Nissan vehicles through the Nissan Secure Gateway.
• Stellantis Gateway Access Provides FCA Secure Gateway access information, FAQ documents, AutoAuth integration requirements, and scan tool data license agreements for authenticated scan tool addendums on Stellantis vehicles.
• ETI Industry Technology Conference (ITC) Annual conference featuring OEM presentations, industry expert sessions, and networking opportunities for ETI members, held in both USA (Metro Detroit) and Europe formats with a Tech Lab at SEMA Garage Detroit.
• ToolTech ETI's flagship annual event for automotive tool and equipment industry networking, promotional opportunities, and direct access to OEM personnel, national accounts, and purchasing groups.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduces complexity for OEMs dealing with hundreds of organizations requiring data licensing
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• GetacminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 October 2024ETI EU Managing Director Winston Lee attended Getac-organized Round Table discussions on AI technologies and innovative solutions in Zandvoort, Netherlands. Getac is a new ETI member.
• Auto-ISACcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 October 2024ETI participates in the Automotive Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Auto-ISAC) Cybersecurity Summit. Greg Potter, CTO of ETI, attended the 8th Annual Auto-ISAC Cybersecurity Summit in Detroit on October 21, 2024.
• AutoAuthcoreTechnology or IntegrationAutoAuth is the standardized authentication platform for OEM secure gateways. ETI provides AutoAuth integration information and new tool company integration steps. Required for Stellantis SGW access and Nissan security gateway access.
• SEMA Garage DetroitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSEMA Garage Detroit is the venue for the ITC 2026 Tech Lab on September 21st. ETI partners with SEMA Garage for hands-on technical demonstrations and facility access.
• Four Points by Sheraton (Novi, Michigan)minorOthersFour Points Sheraton Novi is the conference venue for ITC 2026. ETI has negotiated a discounted group rate of $149++ per night.
• Sponsoring Companies (Autel, AutoAuth, Bosch, Getac, Innova, Panasonic Connect)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerMultiple industry companies sponsor ETI ITC 2026 including Autel, AutoAuth, Bosch, Getac, Innova, and Panasonic Connect, providing financial and marketing support for the event.
• BMW of North AmericacoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerBMW provides enhanced diagnostic scan tool information through ETI. Data package includes control unit descriptions, communication specs, trouble codes, wiring diagrams for US vehicles 1996-present. Initial license fee $25,000 plus $2,000 annual updates.
• Stellantis (FCA)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerStellantis Secure Gateway (SGW) access information provided through ETI. Chrysler charges for information on 2009+ models. AutoAuth integration required.
• Nissan North AmericacoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerNissan requires license for data starting 2022MY. Security gateway access requires separate agreement with $25,000 one-time fee plus yearly data license. MAC Key unlocking documentation provided.
• Ford Motor CompanycoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerMost Ford data stream information included in ETI Scan Tool Group membership. Special services requiring security algorithms require special license.
• General MotorscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerGM data stream license costs calculated by GM. ETI provides contact information for license application.
• Honda/AcuracoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerHonda/Acura data stream information licensed through American Honda with support from Honda Motor Co. Japan. Annual licensing fee with immediate access upon payment.
• Mercedes-Benz USAcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerMBUSA requires license starting for 2022MY data. Application available through ETI.
• Porsche Cars North AmericacoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerPorsche provides enhanced data stream information for emission-related control modules only, including bi-directional data for engine, transmission, HV battery, and transaxle modules. ETI membership required.
• Volkswagen Group (VW/Audi/Bentley)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerVWAG provides scan tool data licensing and Security gateway (SFD - Schutz FahrDiagnose) access through After Sales Service-Technik Diagnose in Wolfsburg.
• Volvo Cars and PolestarcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerVolvo and Polestar require licensing agreements for data stream information. Contact through Volvo Cars support.
• Cummins EnginecoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerCummins engine data licensing facilitated through ETI. Contact Steve Webb at Cummins.
• HinocoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerHino data stream license agreement required. Cost $5,000 per year. ETI acts as facilitator, depositing fees and forwarding agreements to Hino.
• IsuzucoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerIsuzu data stream specifications for medium duty trucks. Agreement and liability insurance required.
• KIA Motors AmericacoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerKIA requires licensing agreement for 2016+ model year data stream information. $5,000/year license fee with ETI acting as facilitator.
• Mack TruckscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerMack Trucks IO Diagnostic Scan Tool licensing agreement available through ETI.
• Subaru of AmericacoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerSubaru data stream information for US specification vehicles. $5,000/year license fee. ETI facilitates payment and agreement.
• Toyota Motor Sales USAcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerToyota dataset licensing through ETI requires License Agreement and NDA. ETI membership required.
• Volvo TruckscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerVolvo Trucks IO Diagnostic Scan Tool licensing agreement through ETI.
• JLR (Jaguar Land Rover)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerJLR licensing inquiries directed to Topix JLR portal.
• Vertical Groups (Cybersecurity & Secure Diagnostics, Diagnostics & Repair, Data Access & Telematics, ADAS & Safety Systems, Trainers & Technical Education)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerETI EU Vertical Groups focus on critical pillars of modern vehicle service and diagnostics. Covering cybersecurity regulations (UNECE R155/R156, SERMI, CRA), OEM service data access, connected vehicle telematics, ADAS calibration, and training alignment.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Auto Care Association: US trade association representing the entire automotive aftermarket, including manufacturers, distributors, repair shops, and parts retailers. Directly comparable to ETI as a membership-based intermediary serving the automotive tool and equipment industry with advocacy, standards, and data services.
• MEMA (Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association): US trade association representing vehicle suppliers and aftermarket manufacturers, including those producing diagnostic tools and replacement parts. Comparable as an industry association providing advocacy, market intelligence, and regulatory engagement for automotive suppliers overlapping with ETI's member base.
• ASAM (Association for Standardization of Automation and Measuring Systems): International standards organization focused on automotive data exchange, measurement, and testing standards. Comparable to ETI's standards/regulatory work, particularly in cybersecurity (UNECE R155/R156), diagnostics, and ADAS standardization.
• NASTF (National Automotive Service Task Force): US organization focused on resolving automotive service issues including OEM scan tool information access. Comparable to ETI in its role as an intermediary between OEMs and the service industry for vehicle data access and diagnostic information.
• COVESA (Connected Vehicle Systems Alliance): Industry alliance developing open standards and technologies for connected vehicles, including data access and telematics. Comparable to ETI's TekHub Vertical Groups addressing Data Access & Telematics and Connected Vehicle technology.
• Auto-ISAC (Automotive Information Sharing and Analysis Center): Industry-driven community for cybersecurity information sharing across the automotive industry. Directly comparable to ETI's Cybersecurity & Secure Diagnostics Vertical Group work, and ETI is already an active participant (CTO attendance at Auto-ISAC Summits).

Broad incumbents

• AUTOSAR: Global automotive software standardization partnership developing standardized software architecture for vehicle ECUs. Comparable to ETI's standards work in automotive electrical/electronic architecture, though focused on in-vehicle software rather than aftermarket service data.
• SAE International: Global association of more than 128,000 engineers and technical experts in the aerospace, automotive, and commercial-vehicle industries. Comparable as a broader industry standards body that touches automotive data, diagnostics, and cybersecurity, though operating at a much larger scale than ETI.

Regional players

• CLEPA (European Association of Automotive Suppliers): European trade association representing automotive suppliers, including those producing diagnostic tools and electronic components. Comparable to ETI Europe as a regional industry association serving similar European automotive suppliers and aftermarket participants.

Emerging players

• Repairify: Remote diagnostic and ADAS calibration services company with an ETI board director (Chris Chesney). Comparable as a member of the automotive aftermarket ecosystem that depends on ETI-facilitated OEM data access for its commercial services.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/EquipmentandToolInstitute/?ref=ts
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/15445216
• Xx.com/EtoolsTweet

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Equipment & Tool Institute