Regulations
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Tesla’s Full Self-Driving approved for public roads in the Netherlands
The country’s Vehicle Authority will test the deployment for 18 months, while stressing it’s an ADAS system and not self-driving technology.
By Paul Myles • April 16, 2026 -
US automakers fear EU safety, emissions rules endanger tariff deal
The European Union's unratified tariff deal with the U.S. is now in the balance as proposed safety and emissions standards affect big truck imports.
By Paul Myles • April 16, 2026 -
Ford recalls nearly 423,000 trucks, SUVs for wiper arm defect
The automaker recalled over 1 million vehicles in March for windshield wiper issues.
By Kalena Thomhave • April 13, 2026 -
Hyundai recalls nearly 47K Palisade SUVs for third-row seat belt issue
A damaged wiring harness can cause the instrument panel to indicate that the seat belt buckle is fastened when it’s not latched.
By Kalena Thomhave • April 9, 2026 -
End of EV mandate tempts out-of-state buyers to acquire California dealerships
But other regulations still make the state undesirable to some potential automotive franchise owners.
By Alysha Webb • April 8, 2026 -
EVs should be as repairable as ICE, Thatcham Research says
Building longevity into EVs is good for consumers and the aftermarket industries alike, says the vehicle assessor.
By Paul Myles • April 7, 2026 -
US-created New Car Assessment Program takes a leap forward in Europe
Politics ties NHTSA’s hands in driving vehicle safety innovations, according to Euro NCAP.
By Paul Myles • April 7, 2026 -
Ford recalls nearly 255K SUVs for camera image processing module errors
A software fault can lead to an intermittent loss of the image feed or advanced driver assist features, including blindspot monitoring and lane-keeping assist.
By Kalena Thomhave • April 6, 2026 -
State dealer laws add up to $5K to a new vehicle’s price, think tank finds
“Protecting an incumbent distribution channel is not the same as protecting consumers,” the International Center for Law & Economics concluded in an issue brief.
By Eric Walz • April 3, 2026 -
Trump adjusts tariffs for steel, aluminum, copper
Goods made entirely of the metals will still face a 50% tariff, but the levy will be reduced to 25% for certain derivative goods, effective April 6.
By Phil Neuffer • April 3, 2026 -
NTSB: Ford’s BlueCruise failed to intervene in 2 fatal crashes
The agency investigated the crashes in 2024 that killed three and determined that the hands-free driving system failed to brake for stationary vehicles.
By Eric Walz • Updated April 7, 2026 -
Polestar 3 global production moves to Volvo’s US plant
The automaker siblings will discontinue production of the EV model in China and make it only in North America.
By Paul Myles • April 1, 2026 -
Hyundai plans to launch 36 ‘new and enhanced’ vehicles in North America through 2030
The plans are part of a $26 billion investment commitment in U.S. manufacturing the company announced last year.
By Eric Walz • March 27, 2026 -
Hormuz Strait blockade would slow Q2 economy at 2.9 pp annual rate
Factors such as higher insurance rates “could cause the oil price increase to be more substantial than our model suggests,” Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas economists said.
By Jim Tyson • March 24, 2026 -
Fed holds rates steady, flags uncertainty as oil price soars amid war
The Fed faces a policy dilemma as the Iran war spurs a jump in energy prices, threatening to increase inflation, slow economic growth and push up unemployment.
By Jim Tyson • March 20, 2026 -
GM CFO: Lower EV growth presents opportunity
The company is looking to get its EV cash headwind “behind us” by the end of the second quarter, CFO Paul Jacobson said last week.
By Grace Noto • March 19, 2026 -
Toyota suppliers seek tariff relief through USMCA review
The automaker’s executives said they want federal officials to keep the agreement trilateral, as the company has 14 manufacturing plants and a supply chain across North America.
By Sara Samora • March 19, 2026 -
Nissan to export US-built Murano SUV to Japan
The Japan government is accepting U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards as proof of compliance with local motor vehicle requirements.
By Eric Walz • March 19, 2026 -
Mexico’s auto parts sector thinks it will withstand US trade policy instability
The industry hopes 2026 will see a return to growth, though upcoming trade talks will be crucial to resolve critical topics like tariffs and rules around China-based firms’ investments in the country.
By Elizabeth Machuca • March 19, 2026 -
Justice Department sues to block California clean cars rules
The California rules amount to “backdoor fuel economy policies” and an “illegal EV mandate” that would further drive up prices, the administration claims.
By Bengt Halvorson • March 17, 2026 -
FTC warns 97 auto dealership groups about deceptive pricing
The letters stress the need for truthful and transparent pricing in the automotive industry.
By Jim Irwin • March 16, 2026 -
Ford recalls 604K SUVs for windshield wiper motor failures
A supplier manufacturing defect may cause the wipers to stop working on certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator and Corsair vehicles.
By Kalena Thomhave • March 16, 2026 -
USITC probes USMCA auto rules’ impact on industry competitiveness
The new study will assess how the major trade pact shapes auto supply chains, technology shifts and the future of electric vehicle manufacturing.
By Antone Gonsalves • March 13, 2026 -
Toyota recalls over 141K Prius models for rear door switch water intrusion
The issue can cause a short circuit, leading to a rear door opening while driving. Owner notification letters were set to be mailed beginning March 15.
By Kalena Thomhave • March 13, 2026 -
UK vehicle registrations just hit a high, as EV market share shrank
A traditionally slow month saw demand for PHEVs record the largest growth, SMMT data showed.
By Paul Myles • March 11, 2026