August 30, 2026 to September 05, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

NHTSA Issues Interpretive Rule Resetting Fuel Economy Program for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published an interpretive rule clarifying its authority under the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) for commercial medium- and heavy-duty on-highway vehicles and work trucks. The rule concludes that NHTSA is authorized to set fuel economy standards for vehicles only, excluding standalone engine standards. NHTSA will review its regulations for consistency, initiate rulemaking to adjust affected standards, and pending such process, will exercise enforcement in line with the revised interpretation. The interpretive rule follows case law and legislative text, noting the division of responsibilities between NHTSA and EPA. No environmental or privacy impacts are anticipated at this stage, and regulatory adjustments will be subject to subsequent analysis.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Announces Information Collection Renewal on Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards

The Environmental Protection Agency issued notice it is proposing to renew its information collection requirements related to the Control of Air Pollution from New Motor Vehicles: Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards, covering regulatory burdens for certification, compliance, warranty, and recordkeeping under the Heavy-duty 2027 rule. Manufacturers impacted include heavy-duty, alternative fuel converters, and secondary vehicle manufacturers. The request covers 279 respondents with an estimated annual burden of 16,951 hours and costs totaling $4.37 million per year. The burden has increased by over $1 million since the rule's 2023 effective date due to labor and inflation. Stakeholders are invited to submit comments by November 3, 2026 ahead of review by OMB.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Department Determines Final Affirmative Countervailing Duties on Van-Type Trailers from China

The Department of Commerce issued its final affirmative determination imposing countervailable subsidies on producers and exporters of van-type trailers and subassemblies from China after conducting the investigation for calendar year 2024. The all-others subsidy rate stands at 134.75 percent ad valorem, set due to facts available applied to non-cooperating respondents. Cash deposit requirements and suspension of liquidation are in effect pending the International Trade Commission’s injury determination. Chinese-origin van-type trailer imports, including those routed through Canada, are subject to these duties unless excluded by companion chassis orders. Parties subject to administrative protective orders are reminded of compliance obligations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Initiates Administrative Reviews for Antidumping and Countervailing Duties on Automotive Components

The Commerce Department announced it has started administrative reviews covering antidumping and countervailing duty orders with July anniversary dates, including passenger vehicle tires from India, China, Vietnam, Korea, and other products. Companies are required to file separate rate applications, notices of no sales, and certifications within strict timelines. Duty absorption and gaps will be examined, with respondent selection based on Customs and questionnaire data. Requests to withdraw reviews should be filed by the deadline, and factual submissions must comply with certification requirements. Final results are anticipated by July 31, 2027.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

President Trump and Vice President Vance Announce Record Automotive Investment in Michigan

The White House reported a 'manufacturing renaissance' in Michigan linked to the administration’s policies, including major auto sector investments: General Motors ($6 billion expansion), Ford ($3 billion BlueOval Battery Park), and Stellantis ($628 million in new facilities). Detroit Diesel has recalled workers, and 2025 saw peak vehicle sales since 2019. Employment growth extends into advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and AI infrastructure, with OpenAI and Corning investing billions. New tax reforms resulted in average refunds of $3,508, while violent crime rates—including homicides in Detroit—have declined to lows not seen since 1964.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Automakers urge Congress to quickly pass law banning Chinese cars: Leading automakers are seeking swift Congressional action to ban Chinese-manufactured vehicles from U.S. markets.
• EXCLUSIVE: VinFast puts the brakes on manufacturing some cars in India, sources and memo say: VinFast is stopping production of select vehicle models in India, according to internal communications and sources.
• Volkswagen Aims to Revive U.S. Business: Volkswagen is launching new commercial strategies to strengthen its presence in the U.S. automotive market.
• US diesel prices hit a record high, pushing up transportation costs for a long list of goods: U.S. diesel prices have set new records, affecting shipping and cost structures for a range of consumer goods.
• TaipeiPLAS 2026 Unveils Plastics and Rubber Program on Circular Materials, Market Trends and Sustainability: TaipeiPLAS 2026 is featuring plastics and rubber industry advancements, with a focus on circular economy and market dynamics.

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