This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news for car manufacturers, parts suppliers, car dealers, rental companies, and importers/exporters in the automotive industry. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Automotive? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Manufacturing and Oil & Gas.

Dates: 2026-01-17 to 2026-01-23

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

White House Announces 25% Tariff on Certain Advanced Semiconductors

On January 14, President Donald Trump issued Proclamation 11002 implementing a 25% ad valorem tariff on select advanced computing chips and specified derivative products imported into the United States, effective January 15, 2026, unless supplied for certain exempted uses including U.S. data centers, research, and public sector applications. This action follows findings from the Secretary of Commerce regarding national security risks posed by heavy reliance on foreign chip supply, and applies only to imports that do not directly support U.S. technology infrastructure or manufacturing capacity. The administration is also pursuing negotiations targeting broader agreements and potentially wider tariff coverage after the initial phase. Covered products admitted into U.S. foreign trade zones must now enter as privileged foreign status and no duty drawback is permitted. Updates on market conditions for data center chips are expected by July 1, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NHTSA Seeks Comments on Reinstatement of Consumer Information Collection

NHTSA has initiated a request for public comment regarding the reinstatement of an information collection linked to 49 CFR Part 575, Sections 103 and 105, concerning consumer information on truck-camper loading and vehicle rollover characteristics. The proposed collection would require manufacturers of slide-in campers and certain utility vehicles to provide safety and performance information through dealer materials, vehicle labels, and owner's manuals. An estimated 35 manufacturers would submit around 15 responses annually, with a total burden estimated at 300 hours and a projected annual cost of $2,137,418, incorporating submission, labeling, and printing costs. Comments must be submitted by March 23, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FMCSA Requests Renewal of Information Collection for Commercial Motor Vehicle Marking Requirements

FMCSA is pursuing renewal of its information collection associated with regulations mandating marking requirements for self-propelled commercial motor vehicles and intermodal equipment. This affects over 930,000 respondents annually, comprising freight-carrying, hazardous materials-transporting, and passenger-carrying motor carriers, as well as intermodal equipment providers. The annual burden has been recalculated to 4,687,689 hours, a reduction from the previous approval. Markings provide visibility for regulatory compliance, crash investigations, and public reporting, and seek to improve identification during inspections. Public comments on various aspects of the collection are invited through March 23, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FMCSA Solicits Nominations for Advisory Committee Memberships

FMCSA has opened the nomination period for up to 20 seats on its Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee (MCSAC). Representatives are drawn from the motor carrier industry, including small carriers, drivers, safety advocates, and enforcement officials, with member terms set at two years. Meetings are scheduled virtually unless otherwise required. The Department requests short biographies, supporting letters, and confirmation of eligibility, with completed nomination packages due February 23, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FMCSA Renews Medical Exemptions for Commercial Vehicle Drivers with Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

FMCSA has renewed exemptions for five individuals, allowing them to operate interstate commercial motor vehicles despite previous epilepsy or seizure histories. Each exemption carries a two-year term, contingent on meeting medical monitoring and reporting requirements, remaining seizure-free, and passing annual medical exams. The decision follows individual evaluation of driving records and health status, supporting equivalence with the safety standards set for commercial drivers without such medical conditions. Exemptions remain valid through November 6, 2027, unless earlier revoked.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act

House Bill 161, the New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act, received committee approval by a vote of 28-23 and is ordered to be reported (amended). The bill concerns adjustments to environmental permitting processes relevant to manufacturing and industrial plant operations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Chinese EVs Blow Past Tesla and Tariffs En Route to Global Reign: Industry reporting indicates Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers have outpaced Western rivals in global market expansion despite tariff challenges.
• Right-To-Repair Bills Make A Comeback In 2026: State and federal initiatives are revisiting right-to-repair legislation for electronics, automobiles, and wheelchairs.
• High vehicle prices paid during pandemic come back to haunt borrowers: Borrowers who purchased vehicles at elevated pandemic-era prices are experiencing financial pressure as values and rates shift.

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