This Week in Automotive — Washington (#22, 2026)
USITC issues injury determination on chassis imports; NHTSA seeks comment on parts content labeling; EPA partially withdraws SIP failure findings; Tesla, Subaru propose FTZ activity; Congressional bills target vehicle safety, connected cars.
June 07, 2026 to June 13, 2026
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. Also consider subscribing to our Automotive - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
Federal Government News
USITC Finds Injury from Chassis and Subassemblies Imports from Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam
The U.S. International Trade Commission determined the U.S. chassis manufacturing industry is materially injured by imports from Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam, classified under HTS subheadings 8716.39.00 and 8716.90.50. The Department of Commerce found these goods were sold at less than fair value, with imports from Mexico and Thailand subsidized by their governments. The investigations, initiated following petitions from the U.S. Chassis Manufacturers Coalition, included a public hearing in April and finalized determinations under the Tariff Act on June 8, 2026. USITC Publication 5742 details the findings, with Commissioner Johanson dissenting. The decision is expected to influence the sourcing and pricing of chassis components in domestic supply chains.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NHTSA Seeks Comment on Reinstating Automobile Parts Content Labeling Collection
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced its intention to reinstate, with modification, the information collection under 49 CFR part 583, covering Automobile Parts Content Labeling. The rule requires manufacturers of new passenger vehicles to disclose the percentage of U.S./Canadian and foreign parts, engine and transmission origin, and assembly location. Approximately 22 manufacturers are expected to comply, reflecting changes in the vehicle manufacturing landscape. The estimated annual burden for compliance is 55,484 hours at a cost of $4,088,414. Public comments on necessity, accuracy, and burden reduction are invited until August 10, 2026.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
NHTSA Solicits Input on Petitions for Exemption from Vehicle Theft Prevention Standards
NHTSA is seeking comment on proposed reinstatement of the information collection related to petitions for exemption from the Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard (49 CFR part 543). Manufacturers can petition under two sections by demonstrating efficacy of anti-theft devices or compliance with performance criteria. The revised collection reduces burden hours from 2,094 to 1,828 due to fewer annual exemptions, with nine petitions expected. Submissions will help the agency refine data requirements and minimize respondent burden. The comment period closes August 10, 2026.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
EPA Partially Withdraws Findings of Failure to Submit SIP Revisions Covering Excess Emissions
The Environmental Protection Agency announced partial withdrawal of prior findings requiring State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions from 13 air agencies, following a D.C. Circuit decision that vacated portions of the 2015 SSM SIP call. The withdrawal affects six agencies, removing certain deadlines for federal sanctions in response to excess emissions during periods of startup, shutdown, and malfunction. Remaining obligations apply only to SIP provisions not vacated. The final action takes effect July 13, 2026, and the withdrawal removes certain compliance obligations for affected regions.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
Foreign-Trade Zone Production Proposals for EV Batteries and Hybrid Vehicles
Tesla Inc. and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. have notified the Foreign-Trade Zones Board of proposed production activities in Texas and Indiana, respectively. Tesla’s Brookshire facility seeks approval for Megapacks and Bento Inverters using foreign-status components, which are subject to tariff rates and must be admitted in privileged foreign status under various trade acts. Subaru Indiana proposes production authority for the Forester hybrid vehicle, adding new finished products and components subject to similar tariff requirements. Public comments are open through July 20, 2026.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov
Legislative Updates
Bill 9297: Establishing Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for Pedestrians
Bill 9297 proposes amendments to existing transportation law to mandate certain safety standards related to pedestrians and motor vehicles. The bill calls for enhanced disclosure requirements and was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for further consideration.
Sources: www.congress.gov
Bill 4710: Prohibiting Entry of Connected Vehicles from Foreign Adversaries
Introduced in the Senate, Bill 4710 aims to restrict the entry of connected vehicles associated with designated foreign adversaries. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance, highlighting national security provisions relevant to future automotive imports.
Sources: www.congress.gov
Critical Minerals Supply Chain Resiliency Act of 2026
H.R. 5929, titled the Critical Minerals Supply Chain Resiliency Act, addresses environmental protection and supply chain issues related to critical minerals. The bill has advanced to the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 602, suggesting ongoing legislative activity focused on battery manufacturing and vehicle components.
Sources: www.congress.gov
Bill 9227: Incentivizing Domestic Production of Permanent Magnets
Bill 9227 seeks to amend the Internal Revenue Code to provide incentives for domestic production and use of permanent magnets, a key input for vehicle manufacturing. The measure has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means for further action.
Sources: www.congress.gov
Bill 9258: Mileage-Based User Fee for Mobile Concrete Boom Pumps
A proposal to amend the Internal Revenue Code would impose a mileage-based fee for mobile mounted concrete boom pumps, replacing the current tax on taxable fuels. The bill, numbered 9258, is now with the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week
- Ford to recall more than 255,400 US vehicles over engine issue: Ford is recalling over 255,000 U.S. vehicles due to an engine issue.
- G.M. Plans to Develop Energy Storage Batteries as E.V. Sales Flag: General Motors will develop storage batteries as electric vehicle sales slow.
- Diesel mechanics queue up for Trump pardons: Diesel mechanics seek pardons for Clean Air Act violations in the closing days of the Trump administration.
- South Africa proposes extending auto incentives to battery materials: South Africa considers expanding automotive incentives to include battery materials.
- India clears way for self-driving, safety car tech to reduce road deaths: India approves measures to allow self-driving and safety technology to lower road fatality rates.
- Europe's top carmakers urge simple 'Made in Europe' rules: Leading European automakers call for straightforward rules governing 'Made in Europe' content.
- EU to make it harder to suspend carbon fee on imports: The European Union plans stricter criteria for suspending carbon fees on import goods.
- EU agrees stronger price controls for new carbon market: European Union negotiators agree to impose firmer price controls on the new carbon trading market.