October 25, 2026 to October 31, 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

Official Release of the MOVES6 Motor Vehicle Emissions Model for SIPs and Transportation Conformity

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released MOVES6, the newest version of the MOtor Vehicle Emission Simulator for use in State Implementation Plans (SIPs) and transportation conformity analyses outside California. MOVES6 incorporates updated energy consumption rates, revised projections for electric vehicle adoption in response to legislative changes, and corrects previous emissions rate errors. It accounts for the rescission of GHG standards and Congressional disapproval of California’s Advanced Clean Trucks waiver. The release initiates a two-year grace period for mandatory use in transportation conformity determinations, ending October 27, 2028. States should use MOVES6 in SIP development as soon as practical, although ongoing SIPs with prior versions may continue if significant work has already occurred. Supporting technical guidance and documentation are available at epa.gov/moves.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Proclamation Modifying Additional Duties on Canadian Imports of Motor Vehicles

President Trump issued Proclamation 11076 adjusting the scope of products from Canada subject to additional duties under Section 338 of the Tariff Act, effective October 30, 2026. This action revises previous measures to offset Canadian discrimination against U.S. auto and parts exports and modifies the Harmonized Tariff Schedule for relevant goods. The proclamation delegates authority to Customs and Border Protection to implement changes, with duties set at 50 percent ad valorem on specified Canadian products. The action follows earlier suspensions and modifications prompted by bilateral negotiations, and responds to executive branch recommendations to align with public interest and U.S. trade priorities.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Agency Information Collection: Motor Vehicle and Engine Compliance Program Fees (Renewal)

EPA plans to renew the information collection request covering compliance program fees for motor vehicles and engines, under OMB Control No. 2060-0545. The program, required by the Clean Air Act, pertains to emission certification for various classes of vehicles, engines, and evaporative components, with manufacturers and importers needing EPA approval before sales. The extension is currently under public comment until December 29, 2026, and the renewal will update estimates for annual burden hours (1058 hours), respondent numbers (633), and program costs ($96,118). Changes reflect increased certificate applications and higher wage estimates for compliance representatives compared to the prior approval period.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Van-Type Trailers and Subassemblies from China: Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders

Commerce published the final antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) orders covering van-type trailers and subassemblies from China. The orders follow affirmative determinations by Commerce and the ITC, finding material injury to U.S. industry. Duties apply to goods entered after October 28, 2026, with the China-wide AD margin set at 130.86 percent and CVD subsidy rates at 134.75 percent. The scope covers finished and unfinished van-type trailers for cargo, related subassemblies, and components. Annual inquiry service lists for scope rulings are available through Commerce's online platform, and affected parties must submit entries for inclusion.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Adjusts Imports of Robotics, Industrial Machinery, and Components

President Trump signed a Proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act to address national security concerns from imports of robotics, industrial machinery, and related components. The Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative are directed to negotiate with trading partners to mitigate identified threats and may enact further measures as necessary. The Proclamation cites the importance of robotics and machinery for manufacturing, defense, and infrastructure, highlighting U.S. reliance on foreign sources. The directive builds on prior Section 232 actions that imposed tariffs to protect steel, aluminum, and critical industries.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• NEWSLETTER: Dispatch from Motor City: fears swirl over tariffs and China: Industry stakeholders monitor tariff developments and the potential impact of Chinese automotive imports.
• Earnings give European auto stocks respite as China reshapes the industry: European automakers report improved earnings amid shifting market pressures caused by Chinese competitors.
• Volkswagen's journey: Beetle maker's wartime roots to reinvention: Volkswagen’s evolution from its origins to current strategies for global competitiveness.
• Russia to extend diesel export ban, use quotas to fulfil US deal, sources say: Russia continues its diesel export restrictions, allocating quotas for US agreements.
• Why EVs aren't powering America's electric grid yet: Industry examines barriers to electric vehicle integration with the American power grid.
• VW suspends work on electric Golf as retrenchment hits HQ: Volkswagen pauses development of electric Golf models at its headquarters amid cost concerns.
• Higher tariffs on Canadian imports would be 'catastrophic,' Honda exec says: Honda’s executive remarks on potential negative effects of increased tariffs on Canadian imports.
• Where Have All the Car Commercials Gone?: Automotive advertising shifts as fewer traditional car commercials appear.
• Volkswagen ‘Must Act Quickly’ After Largest Loss in Over a Decade: Volkswagen faces its biggest financial setback in over ten years, prompting urgent responses.

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