Recent Stories
Complex trade map could tie Trump's hands

Auto tariffs may seem like a foregone conclusion, but there are pieces on the policy chessboard that could constrain President Donald Trump from fulfilling his threats.
Getting Colorado's clunkers off the road

Planet Automotive owner Lee Payne helped create a program to reduce emissions by old vehicles. And he's still leading the charge.
Tradepoint
VW plans new U.S. gateway port for imports in Baltimore

Volkswagen Group is adding Baltimore as an import gateway in early 2020 to better improve vehicle delivery in the mid-Atlantic region and inland points.
Automakers need a consensus on EV tax credits, Dingell says

Any new rules on EV tax credits should restrict companies that close plants and move them offshore from receiving the benefit, Rep. Debbie Dingell said.
Law requires exception process for 3rd round of tariffs on China

The provision to help importers file for exceptions was included in the spending bill that averted a second government shutdown.
Blumenthal and Markey
Senate Democrats seek greater safeguards for keyless ignitions

A proposal from two Senate Democrats would force NHTSA to issue regulations requiring automatic shut-off features and set a performance standard for powering down a vehicle when it's not in park mode.
MEMA names Long as new president

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association tapped William Long as its new president. He replaces Steve Handschuh, who retired in December.
Bainwol joins Ford

The head of the powerful Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is leaving to lead Ford Motor Co.'s worldwide lobbying efforts.
IIHS ratings to measure pedestrian protection

An increase in fatal collisions has prompted the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to add pedestrian protection to its criteria for Top Safety Pick. The move comes in response to the rise in deadly crashes involving pedestrians.
Consumer Reports
Subaru reaches top of Consumer Reports' rankings; Tesla falters

In an annual reliability scorecard, Subaru narrowly topped last year's winner, Genesis, and Tesla's Model 3 failed to win a "recommended" rating as the brand tumbled.
Nine crossovers score high in new IIHS pedestrian avoidance test

The institute will include pedestrian crash prevention ratings as part of the criteria for the 2020 Top Safety Pick awards.
Bad policy, worse political strategy on auto tariffs

The auto tariff fight isn't so different from the border wall fight, except that it's even more one-sided against Trump.
Long
MEMA promotes Long to lead supplier group

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association tapped William Long as its new president. He replaces Steve Handschuh, who retired in December.
Ford names Alliance chief Bainwol to run global lobbying team

The head of the powerful Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is leaving to lead Ford's worldwide lobbying efforts. The automaker said Mitch Bainwol, 59, will be its chief government relations officer, effective March 1.
Clock ticks down for passage of USMCA

President Donald Trump, who has struggled to strong-arm Congress into funding his proposed border wall, could be in for a similar fight over his new North American trade agreement.