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: 2026-02-22 to 2026-02-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Science, Manufacturing, and Competitiveness: AI for Safety, Productivity, and Care: Scheduled on March 3, 2026 at 15:15 UTC in Russell Senate Office Building room 253, the committee will hold hearings examining AI technologies that improve safety, productivity, and care.
• Senate Environment and Public Works: Toxic Substances Control Act Fee Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 2026 Discussion: Set for March 4, 2026 at 15:00 UTC in Dirksen Senate Office Building room 562, the committee will discuss a draft bill entitled the Toxic Substances Control Act Fee Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 2026.

Federal Government News

USMCA Automotive Rules of Origin: Economic Impact and Operation, 2027 Report Initiated

The U.S. International Trade Commission has instituted Investigation No. 332-608 to prepare its third biennial report evaluating the economic impact and operation of the USMCA automotive rules of origin, due July 1, 2027. The Commission will examine effects on GDP, trade balances, employment, investment, and competitiveness among U.S. automotive sectors, accounting for technology and production changes. Key industry stakeholders may participate in a public hearing scheduled for October 14, 2026, either in person or via WebEx, with related deadlines for written testimony, briefs, and submissions throughout October and early November. Corrections issued on February 26 establish deadlines for hearing requests (September 29), prehearing briefs (October 1), and other submissions. Interested parties are encouraged to provide survey responses once available to inform the report. All records and submissions will be accessible via EDIS.

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

Final Results: Antidumping Duty Administrative Review on Certain New Pneumatic Off-the-Road Tires From India (2023-2024)

The Commerce Department announced results of its 2023-2024 review of antidumping duties on new pneumatic off-the-road tires from India. For ATC Tires Private Ltd. and ATC Tires AP Private Limited, a weighted-average dumping margin of 3.78% was determined; Asian Tire Factory Ltd. and Lyallpur Rubber Mills received a margin of 0.00%. Ten additional companies not selected for individual examination received the same 3.78% rate as ATC. These rates apply for entries between March 1, 2023 and February 29, 2024. Importers must file certificates regarding duty reimbursement prior to liquidation. Assessment and cash deposit instructions have been detailed for CBP, with duty exemption for de minimis rates and final assessments based on importer-specific data.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Receipt of Complaint; Section 337 Investigation—In-Vehicle Infotainment Systems

The U.S. International Trade Commission has received a Section 337 complaint from Zync Inc., alleging BMW AG and its U.S. affiliate import and sell certain in-vehicle infotainment systems that infringe on intellectual property rights. Relief requested includes a limited exclusion order and cease-and-desist orders, along with a bond on affected articles during the Presidential review period. Public comments on the impact of the proposed exclusion are invited within eight days of publication, including effects on public health, competition, and U.S. consumers. Replies are due within three days after initial submissions. All filings must comply with confidentiality rules and be submitted through EDIS.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NHTSA Extends Comment Period: Proposed United Nations Global Technical Regulation for Automated Driving Systems

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is seeking input on a draft Global Technical Regulation for Automated Driving Systems (ADS) from the United Nations Working Party on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles. The comment period has been extended by 15 days to March 10, 2026 after requests for additional review. Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the technical, performance, and safety requirements proposed in the regulation, which may inform future U.S. domestic actions. Comments must be submitted through the federal docket; background information is available from NHTSA and the UNECE.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Announces Reversal of Prior EV Mandates and Fuel Economy Regulations

The Trump Administration has rolled back fuel economy standards and ended the prior EV mandate, redirecting resources to other energy solutions. Regulatory actions included rescinding the Obama-era Endangerment Finding and permitting increased energy production, including expanded access to federal lands, which resulted in record LNG exports and additional coal sector investment. Deregulation efforts are positioned as cost-saving for consumers and implicate ongoing policy stability for automotive manufacturing and alternative fuel vehicle planning.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025 (H.R. 1501)

The Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025, considered in the House, aims to expand domestic mining operations. Subcommittee hearings have been held as of February 24, 2026. This legislation could affect supply chains for vehicle and component manufacturing, notably those dependent on mined materials such as batteries and alternative fuel systems.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2025 (H.R. 755)

The Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2025 was placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 444, after House consideration. The bill addresses policy consistency for critical mineral sourcing, directly impacting upstream suppliers in automotive manufacturing and electric vehicle production.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Carmakers push toward ‘eyes-off’ driving, raising questions of safety, liability: OEMs accelerate eyes-off driving technology amid ongoing debates about safety and liability responsibilities.
• Exclusive: Volvo Cars to recall 40,000 electric SUVs over battery fire risk: Volvo Cars will recall 40,000 electric SUVs due to identified battery fire risk, impacting their EV operations.
• BMW to recall nearly 59,000 vehicles in US over damaged wiring harness, NHTSA says: BMW plans to recall nearly 59,000 vehicles in the U.S. for damaged wiring harness, according to NHTSA.
• Xiaomi launches safety advisory committee after EV accidents in China: Xiaomi created a safety advisory committee in response to recent EV accidents, seeking stakeholder input on vehicle safety.

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