This Week in Automotive — Washington (#9, 2026)
FTC directed to prioritize enforcement against false 'Made in America' claims; USITC launches vehicle part investigations; Zoox seeks ADS exemption; Commerce amends tire duty scope; GM, Polaris file Section 337 complaints.
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: 2026-03-08 to 2026-03-14
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
Federal Government News
Executive Order on Truthful 'Made in America' Advertising
President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order on March 13, 2026, instructing the Federal Trade Commission to prioritize enforcement against false 'Made in America' claims. The order also mandates government agencies to review and verify origin claims for products in procurement contracts, remove misrepresented products, and refer violators to the Department of Justice under the False Claims Act. Agencies with oversight on country-of-origin labeling are encouraged to promote voluntary labeling and issue consistent guidance. The measures apply to product advertising and government purchasing, with implementation subject to existing legal authorities and appropriations.
Sources: www.whitehouse.gov
USITC Opens Investigation Into Vehicle Parts Patent Infringement
On March 12, 2026, the US International Trade Commission initiated a Section 337 investigation based on complaints by General Motors LLC and GM Global Technology Operations LLC, alleging that 20 respondents from Taiwan, China, and the US infringe on 20 GM design patents. The products include vehicle parts replicating GM components. The complainants request general and limited exclusion orders, as well as cease-and-desist orders. Due to complexity, the Chief Administrative Law Judge may sever the investigation or extend the target date. Respondents must reply within 20 days, or face potential default judgments and exclusion orders.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation for Off-Road Vehicles
The USITC launched an investigation on March 4, 2026, following a complaint from Polaris Inc. regarding potential patent infringement in utility and recreational off-road vehicles and their components. The complaint targets entities in China and the US, citing five US patents and requesting limited exclusion and cease-and-desist orders. The scope includes chassis, suspension, powertrain, operator compartment, cargo system, and related features. Respondents must submit replies in accordance with ITC rules within 20 days or risk waiving rights to contest allegations.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
NHTSA Solicits Comments on Zoox ADS Vehicle FMVSS Exemption
Zoox, Inc. petitioned NHTSA on March 11, 2026, for a temporary exemption from eight Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for its automated driving system-equipped robotaxi. The exemption would permit sales of up to 2,500 vehicles per year for two years, citing design features lacking traditional controls and arguing for equivalent safety levels. Standards affected include FMVSS 103, 104, 108, 111, 135, 201, 205, and 208. The public comment period is open until April 10, 2026, and further details are available in docket NHTSA-2025-0523.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
Commerce Department Amends Antidumping Scope for Taiwan Tires
On February 20, 2026, the US Court of International Trade upheld the Commerce Department's decision to include T-type spare tires from Cheng Shin Rubber Industry Co. Ltd. under the antidumping duty order for passenger vehicle and light truck tires from Taiwan. Commerce will instruct Customs and Border Protection to suspend liquidation of these tires and require cash deposits at the designated rate. This notice fulfills publication requirements under Timken and Diamond Sawblades rulings and applies pending any appeals.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
What We're Reading This Week
- Can American car companies survive American politics?: Article discusses the intersection of US political policy and challenges facing domestic automotive manufacturers.
- Trump Administration Sues California in Bid to Nix Car Pollutant Rules: The federal government files suit against California to overturn emissions and electric vehicle standards.
- Auto groups urge Trump to keep Chinese carmakers out of US: Industry associations campaign for restrictions on Chinese automobile imports amid trade and competition concerns.
- Diesel prices are climbing even faster than gas prices. Here’s why you should care: Reports rising diesel prices and implications for transportation and supply chain costs.
- Top global legal and policy issues for automotive and transportation companies in 2026: Outlines key worldwide regulatory and legal challenges for manufacturers in the current year.
