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.

Dates: 2026-02-08 to 2026-02-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

EPA Rescinds Vehicle Emission Standards and Endangerment Finding

President Trump revoked the Obama-era 'Endangerment Finding,' directly dismantling regulatory foundations for vehicle emissions standards and climate regulation. This action is expected to eliminate mandates tied to greenhouse gas emission controls, including requirements for electric vehicle production, and revise cost structures for manufacturers and consumers. The repeal follows federal court rulings and finalized rulemakings, with regulatory actions positioned as the largest deregulatory event in U.S. history. Industry organizations and automakers publicly supported the decision, referencing anticipated cost reductions and restored statutory limits, while regulatory agencies moved to align the Code of Federal Regulations accordingly.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

Federal Trade Commission Withdraws CARS Rule, Revises Negative Option and Non-Compete Rule

The Federal Trade Commission issued a final regulatory action withdrawing the Combating Auto Retail Scams Trade Regulation Rule (CARS Rule), recodifying the Negative Option Rule to its pre-2024 form, and removing the Non-Compete Clause Rule. Federal court decisions vacated the amended rules, citing procedural deficiencies and statutory authority concerns. The CARS Rule, which established requirements for vehicle advertising, pricing disclosures, sales consent, and prohibited certain add-ons, is now withdrawn, suspending its associated reporting and compliance obligations. The Commission is filing requests to discontinue information collections under control numbers 3084-0104, 3084-0172, and 3084-0173. The action will reduce regulatory burdens and associated recordkeeping for dealers and manufacturers.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USITC Opens Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations Into Van-Type Trailers from Canada, China, and Mexico

The U.S. International Trade Commission determined there is reasonable indication of material injury to domestic van-type trailer manufacturers by imports from Canada, China, and Mexico, alleged to be sold below fair value and subsidized. Countervailing and antidumping investigations were initiated at the request of the American Trailer Manufacturers Coalition. Notices of these investigations were published following public conferences and agency scheduling adjustments; the final phase is underway pending outcomes from the Department of Commerce. Interested industrial users and consumer groups may participate.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Proposed Modification to Buy America Waiver for Electric Vehicle Chargers

The Federal Highway Administration requested public comment regarding a potential increase in the domestic component threshold for EV charger purchases under federal-aid projects, proposing a shift from the current 55% to up to 100% domestic content. This review, required under the Build America Buy America Act and guided by Executive Orders, follows an industry assessment of supply chain readiness. Comments received will inform whether the waiver is continued, modified, or discontinued, with implications for manufacturers, procurement, and installation of federally funded EV chargers.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USITC Receives Vehicle Parts Trade Complaint from GM

The U.S. International Trade Commission announced receipt of a Section 337 complaint filed by General Motors LLC regarding the importation and sale of certain vehicle parts and components. The complaint seeks exclusion and cease and desist orders against companies in Taiwan, China, and the U.S., requesting a bond during the presidential review period and soliciting public comment on competitive, production and consumer impacts. Submissions are due within eight calendar days, subject to confidentiality compliance.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

REPAIR Act Moves Forward in House Commerce Committee

Bill 1566, titled the REPAIR Act, was forwarded to the full House Committee by voice vote. The act concerns commerce policy related to aftermarket vehicle repair access and consumer choice. The bill is at the committee stage and awaits further action.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2025 Approved for Reporting

Bill 755, the Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2025, was ordered to be reported in the nature of a substitute (amended) by unanimous consent in the House Committee. The act addresses consistency in energy and critical mineral policy, relevant for vehicle manufacturing supply chains.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Trump EPA ends emissions limits for US automakers; state rules, lawsuits could follow: Federal emissions standards for automakers ended, possible state action and legal challenges anticipated.
• Trump revokes basis of US climate regulation, ends vehicle emission standards: White House rescinds climate regulatory foundation and vehicle emission standards, shifting federal environmental policy.
• E&E News: EPA repeals endangerment finding: EPA rescinds endangerment finding, affecting vehicle climate standards and emission requirements.
• EU tariffs on imports of China-made EVs: European Union introduces tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China.
• After Volkswagen deal, Chinese EV makers eye EU tariff talks of their own: Chinese EV manufacturers explore negotiations with EU following Volkswagen's tariff resolution.
• VW's Cupra Tavascan spared from EU duties on China-made EVs: Volkswagen's Cupra Tavascan model excluded from EU tariffs on Chinese-made EVs.
• German auto industry in 'crisis' as investments, jobs move abroad, lobby says: German automotive sector faces investment and employment challenges amid global shifts.
• Exclusive: Stellantis resurrects diesel cars across Europe amid EV retreat: Stellantis reintroduces diesel models in Europe, responding to changing EV market conditions.
• Exclusive: India's JSW warns of delay in first car launch over China parts licence, letter shows: India's JSW alerts to potential car launch delays due to Chinese parts licensing issues.
• China's Evolving EV Monopoly - Energy Realities Podcast: Industry analysts discuss global impact of China’s electric vehicle market dominance.

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