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: 2026-03-01 to 2026-03-07

📋 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 Environment and Public Works Committee Hearing on S.3135: The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hold a hearing on March 11, 2026, to examine S.3135. The bill would require the EPA Administrator to authorize vehicle manufacturers to suspend engine derate or shutdown functions in extended cold weather. The meeting is scheduled in Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 562, at 2:00 PM.

Federal Government News

Commerce Department Reviews Section 232 National Security Adjustments for Automobile Parts Imports

The Department of Commerce has submitted an information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget seeking public comments for an additional 30 days regarding Section 232 National Security Adjustments to automobile parts imports. Proclamation 10908 authorized a 25 percent tariff on certain imports of automobiles, effective April 3, 2025, and specific automobile parts since May 3, 2025. The process allows domestic producers and industry associations to request inclusion of further automobile parts within the scope of these tariffs where increased imports may threaten national security. Requests are to be processed within 60 days, following consultation with the USITC and Customs and Border Protection. The frequency of required reporting is quarterly and the respondent’s obligation is voluntary. Submissions should be made via reginfo.gov, responding within the specified 30-day period. The OMB Control Number is 0625-0284.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FMCSA Extends Comment Period on Grote Industries' Collision Warning Lighting Exemption

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended the comment period by 60 days for Grote Industries, LLC’s application for exemption from steady-burning exterior lighting requirements on commercial motor vehicles. The exemption would allow the use of auxiliary rear or side lamps that flash or strobe when controlled by Grote’s Rear-End Collision Warning system. The extension follows a request from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, aiming to align discussion with its April workshop. Interested parties now have until May 10, 2026, to submit comments. Details regarding comment submission and confidentiality are outlined in the official notice, with review accessible via regulations.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Tesla Inc. Files Notification of Proposed Battery Storage Production Activity in California Foreign-Trade Zone

Tesla Inc. has submitted notification to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board regarding proposed production activities for battery storage products and components at facilities in Fremont, Livermore, and Lathrop, California (FTZ 18G). The application includes finished products such as inverters, Megapack storage batteries, and vehicle bi-directional static converters, and lists foreign-status components—including lithium-ion modules and electronic assemblies—subject to varying duty rates. Some materials are subject to Section 122, Section 232, or Section 301 duties depending on country of origin, and must enter FTZs in privileged foreign status. Public comment is invited by April 13, 2026, submitted to the Board’s Executive Secretary. The notification is available through the Board’s online FTZ Information System.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USITC Launches Section 337 Investigation into Electric Unicycles and Components

The U.S. International Trade Commission has instituted an investigation, based on complaints filed by Inventist, Inc. and Alien Technology Group, Inc., concerning importation and sales of certain gyro-stabilized electric unicycles and components. The complaints allege infringement of U.S. Patent No. 8,807,250 and U.S. Patent No. D729,698. Named respondents include several Chinese manufacturers. The complainants are seeking exclusion and cease and desist orders. Respondents must submit answers within 20 days of service; failure to respond may lead to exclusion measures. The investigation will determine the existence of Section 337 violations and whether a qualifying U.S. industry exists.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders Continued for Carbon and Alloy Steel Wire Rod

The Department of Commerce, responding to determinations from the USITC, has announced continuation of antidumping duty orders for carbon and certain alloy steel wire rod from Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Moldova, and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as continuation of the countervailing duty order on wire rod from Brazil. Revocation of these orders was found likely to result in continuation or recurrence of dumping, countervailable subsidies, and material harm to U.S. industry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will continue to collect relevant duty deposits, and the effective date is set as February 24, 2026. Future periodic reviews are scheduled per the regulatory timeline.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2025

Bill 755, titled the Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2025, was received in the Senate, read twice, and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 348). The bill focuses on energy policy and awaits further action by the Senate.

Sources: www.congress.gov

GEO Act

Bill 301, known as the GEO Act, was ordered to be reported by unanimous consent in the House. The bill pertains to energy policy and advances to the next stage for formal reporting and consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• 'Made in EU' auto rules risk backlash from friends and rivals: Discussion of EU regulations on automobile origin and possible responses from global partners.
• U.S. Automakers Risk Being Reduced to Niche Producers of Gas Vehicles: Analysis on the challenges facing U.S. automakers in the shift to electric and autonomous vehicles, especially with Chinese competition.
• EU pushes barely available green steel as auto emissions fix: Report on the EU's push for green steel as an emissions solution for the automotive sector.
• Tariffs and global trade: Overview of tariff developments and their effects on global automotive trade flows.
• Robotaxis Put on Hold as Hochul Seeks Support for Car Insurance Reforms: Coverage of legislative delays impacting robotaxi operations and insurance reforms in New York.
• China's Neolix halts autonomous delivery operations in Abu Dhabi: International report on Neolix discontinuing autonomous delivery services in Abu Dhabi, citing operational challenges.

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