Regulations
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Courtesy of General Motors
The top automotive industry trends to follow in 2026
With automakers navigating tariffs, a sea of regulatory changes, supply chain uncertainties and waning EV demand, we’ve rounded up articles that dive into the topics OEMs and dealers are watching.
By Eric Walz • Jan. 30, 2026 -
Courtesy of General Motors
NHTSA opens query into GM V-8 engine failures after 2025 recall
The agency is investigating whether GM’s remedy for engine defects, affecting nearly 600,000 SUVs and pickups recalled last year, resolved the mechanical issues.
By Kalena Thomhave • Jan. 30, 2026 -
Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images
3 regulatory topics automakers should watch in 2026
Trade, safety and emissions standards are front and center as the Trump administration reshapes U.S. automotive policy.
By Kalena Thomhave • Jan. 29, 2026 -
Nathan Howward via Getty Images
Fed holds main rate steady, highlighting signs of job market stability
Two Federal Reserve governors dissented against the decision to leave policy unchanged, favoring a fourth consecutive cut to borrowing costs.
By Jim Tyson • Jan. 29, 2026 -
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Trump administration must release EV charger funds, court rules
The Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration “yanked the NEVI Formula Program’s cord out of the outlet,” said U.S. District Judge Tana Lin. “It is simply not how things are lawfully done.”
By Diana DiGangi • Jan. 28, 2026 -
Andrew Harnik via Getty Images
Trump vows to hike South Korea tariffs to 25%
The U.S. president said he would raise levies, including those on cars, because South Korea’s National Assembly has not enacted terms of a framework trade deal.
By Phil Neuffer • Jan. 27, 2026 -
Courtesy of Ford Motor Co.
Ford recalls nearly 117,000 vehicles for faulty engine block heaters
The accessory heater for some Focus, Escape and Lincoln MKC models can leak coolant and short-circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
By Kalena Thomhave • Jan. 27, 2026 -
Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
Trump threatens 100% tariff to stymie Canada-China trade pact
The president said the levy on Canada imports would go into effect immediately should the country consummate a preliminary trade agreement with China announced earlier this month.
By Phil Neuffer • Updated Jan. 26, 2026 -
Courtesy of General Motors
Canada’s auto sector faces existential challenges in 2026
Shifts in trade policy, new China links and potential changes to electric vehicle purchase targets have created a murky outlook for the industry.
By Keith Nuthall • Jan. 22, 2026 -
Sean Gallup via Getty Images
EU halts US trade deal over Trump’s Greenland campaign
The bloc voted Wednesday to suspend its efforts to cement terms of the framework pact after Trump threatened to raise tariffs on six member countries.
By Phil Neuffer • Jan. 21, 2026 -
(2026). "CMT Hearing: Examining Ways to Strengthen Automotive Safety, Affordability, and Leadership" [Video]. Retrieved from House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Limits on city, state authority over AVs proposed in new federal bill
“Significant progress” has been made on the draft, its sponsor said, but safety advocates expressed concern at a recent hearing.
By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 21, 2026 -
Courtesy of XPeng Inc.
Canada to reduce tariffs on China EVs
As part of a trade pact, the lowered levies would be available for 49,000 vehicles each year, with over 50% to be affordable models by 2030.
By Eric Walz • Jan. 16, 2026 -
Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images
US caps Taiwan tariffs at 15%
The limit would apply to both reciprocal and sector-specific duties, per the Commerce Department, although the implementation timeline remains unclear.
By Antone Gonsalves • Jan. 16, 2026 -
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GM CEO: ICE and EVs can both ‘thrive under the GM tent’
Mary Barra said GM can extend its leadership in fullsize trucks and SUVs to EVs, but will continue adjusting product mix to meet demand.
By Gary Witzenburg • Jan. 15, 2026 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
EEOC, Tesla head to private mediation in race-based harassment lawsuit
The parties are in the process of selecting a mediator and expect mediation to start in March or April.
By Ginger Christ • Jan. 15, 2026 -
Courtesy of Rivian
Rivian recalls nearly 20K vehicles over flawed rear suspension service procedure
The EV maker said it was aware of one crash involving a defective rear suspension toe link joint.
By Kalena Thomhave • Jan. 13, 2026 -
Getty Images
Illinois offers $24M in grants for manufacturing training programs
Applicants outside of the Chicago metropolitan area can apply for grants valued between $3 million and $6 million through the end of April.
By Nathan Owens • Jan. 12, 2026 -
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U.K. battery-electric vehicle sales grow in 2025 — but lag government targets
“Rising EV uptake is an undoubted positive but the pace is still too slow and the cost to industry too high,” said SMMT’s chief executive Mike Hawes.
By Paul Myles • Jan. 12, 2026 -
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US plans fresh China semiconductor tariffs for 2027
The duty rate will be set at least 30 days before the implementation date and stack on top of existing levies, per a Federal Register filing.
By Phil Neuffer • Jan. 5, 2026 -
Sean Gallup via Getty Images
Mercedes settles emissions-cheating lawsuit for nearly $150M
The total value of the multi-state settlement could reach $347 million, according to one state attorney general.
By Lamar Johnson • Jan. 5, 2026 -
Courtesy of Ford Motor Co.
Software glitches fueled OEM recalls in 2025
As automakers continued to add new technology to their models, the number of software-related recalls was on the rise this year.
By Eric Walz • Dec. 23, 2025 -
Jeff Chiu/AP
Waymo updating software following robotaxi failures during San Francisco blackout
The company explained why its vehicles responded inappropriately during a wide-scale power outage and outlined steps to prevent a recurrence.
By Dan Zukowski • Updated Jan. 5, 2026 -
Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
USMCA review: 5 supply chain issues the US plans to address
The United States won’t “rubber stamp” an extension of the pact next summer and will instead look to fix a few structural issues, per U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
By Phil Neuffer • Dec. 22, 2025 -
Courtesy of Toyota Motor Corp.
Toyota plans to sell 3 US-built vehicles in Japan in 2026
The move comes shortly after a tariff deal opened the door for vehicles assembled in the U.S. to be sold in Japan without further testing.
By Eric Walz • Dec. 22, 2025 -
Courtesy of Rivian
Rivian recalls nearly 35,000 electric delivery vans over seat belt issue
The EV maker attributes the safety defect to misuse of the driver-side seat belt.
By Kalena Thomhave • Dec. 17, 2025
