Automotive

UNECE GRSP Proposes Amendments to UN Regulation No. 129 on Rebound Head Contact in Child Restraint Tests

UNECE’s Working Party on Passive Safety (GRSP) has issued working document **ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2026/2**, a CLEPA-submitted proposal for new supplements to UN Regulation No. 129 (Enhanced child restraint systems) that would exclude rebound head contact with rigid test-bench structures from the head acceleration criterion for all child restraint systems (CRS).[^1^](https://docs.un.org/en/ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2026/2) The change is intended to harmonise treatment of rebound movement across CRS categories and laboratories, improve reproducibility of test results, and align child dummy assessments with the approach used for adult dummies in UN Regulations Nos. 94 and 137, but remains at proposal stage with discussion scheduled for GRSP’s seventy-ninth session in Geneva on 1–5 June 2026.[^1^](https://docs.un.org/en/ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2026/2)

US NHTSA Seeks Comment on Replaceable Light Source Dimensional Information Collection

NHTSA is seeking public comment by 8 June 2026 on reinstating its OMB‑approved information collection (2127‑0563) requiring manufacturers to submit dimensional and performance data for replaceable headlamp light sources under 49 CFR part 564.[^1^](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/08/2026-06736/agency-information-collection-activities-proposals-submissions-and-approvals-replaceable-light#:~:text=NHTSA%20invites%20public%20comments%20about%20our%20intention%20to%20request%20approval%20from%20the%20Office%20of%20Management%20and%20Budget)[^2^](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/08/2026-06736/agency-information-collection-activities-proposals-submissions-and-approvals-replaceable-light#:~:text=Comments%20must%20be%20submitted%20on%20or%20before%20June%208%2C%202026.) For automotive lighting and vehicle manufacturers, this PRA process underpins the data NHTSA uses to ensure replacement headlamp light sources remain interchangeable and compliant with FMVSS 108, so engagement now can shape future reporting expectations and documentation practices.[^3^](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/08/2026-06736/agency-information-collection-activities-proposals-submissions-and-approvals-replaceable-light#:~:text=Title%3A-,49%20CFR%20part%20564,-%2C%20Replaceable%20Light%20Source)[^5^](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/08/2026-06736/agency-information-collection-activities-proposals-submissions-and-approvals-replaceable-light#:~:text=In%20Federal%20motor%20vehicle%20safety%20standard%20(FMVSS)%20No.%20108)

10 Apr 2026, 13:16federalregister.govUnited States

Dutch Government Reports to Parliament on EU Environment Council Debates on CO2 Car Norms, ETS and Bioeconomy

EU ministers debated lowering the 2035 vehicle CO2 reduction target to 90% and establishing long-term certainty for the EU ETS and bioeconomy frameworks. This signals a potential shift toward technology-neutral transport decarbonization and upcoming bio-based content mandates for the chemicals and packaging sectors.

9 Apr 2026, 17:42zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nlNetherlandsEuropean Union

UNECE Publishes UN Regulation No. 175 On Acceleration Control For Pedal Error

UNECE has finalized UN Regulation No. 175, introducing harmonized technical standards for Acceleration Control for Pedal Error (ACPE) systems in passenger vehicles. Manufacturers must ensure ACPE systems meet specific performance and testing criteria to maintain market access and secure UN type-approval across 1958 Agreement jurisdictions.

US NHTSA Issues Interim Final Rule Delaying FMVSS 208 Seat Belt Reminder Compliance to 2028

The US NHTSA has issued an interim final rule delaying and unifying compliance dates for enhanced front and rear seat belt reminder systems to September 2028. This update provides critical technical clarifications on warning triggers and occupant detection, offering manufacturers additional lead time to align vehicle designs with revised safety standards.

9 Apr 2026, 09:45govinfo.govUnited States

US EPA Issues Supplemental SNAP Proposal on HFO-1234yf Retrofits in Heavy-Duty Vehicle Air Conditioning

The US EPA is expanding the SNAP program to permit HFO-1234yf as a retrofit refrigerant for heavy-duty pickup trucks and complete vans, with comments due by May 2026. This move facilitates the transition to lower-GWP alternatives in commercial fleets while mandating specific hardware and labeling compliance to mitigate flammability risks during servicing.

6 Apr 2026, 19:41federalregister.govUnited States

US NHTSA Seeks Comment on Information Collection for Novel Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Designs

NHTSA is seeking public comment until June 2, 2026, on a proposed research study evaluating how novel human-machine interface (HMI) designs impact driver performance. This data collection signals a likely update to federal driver-vehicle interface safety guidelines, potentially leading to stricter design requirements for in-vehicle infotainment and control systems.

6 Apr 2026, 19:28federalregister.govUnited States

California CARB Reports $1 Billion in Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Funding

California’s HVIP has surpassed $1 billion in zero-emission vehicle incentives, with significant funding still available for medium- and heavy-duty fleets. This milestone reinforces California’s commitment to decarbonizing freight and transit, offering critical financial support for manufacturers and operators to meet tightening emission standards.

6 Apr 2026, 16:50content.govdelivery.comUnited States

Germany (UBA) Publishes HBEFA 5.1 Report on Correction Factors, Non‑regulated Pollutants and Euro 7

Germany’s Environment Agency (UBA) released updated road transport emission factors (HBEFA 5.1) in April 2026, integrating Euro 7 standards and additional pollutants. This technical update signals a shift toward more granular emissions monitoring, requiring manufacturers to account for previously non-regulated substances in future vehicle compliance and sustainability reporting.

6 Apr 2026, 16:43umweltbundesamt.deGermanyEuropean Union

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Schedules Hearings on Vehicle Emissions and Renewable Energy Recycling Rules

Texas is advancing new rules for vehicle emissions inspection fees and renewable energy component recycling, with public hearings scheduled for April and May 2026. These proposals introduce significant new financial assurance and reporting obligations for the recycling sector and administrative fee adjustments for rental fleet operators.

5 Apr 2026, 18:24tceq.texas.govUnited States

Oregon Legislature Adopts SB 1544 On Dismantler Licensing And Transit Funding

Oregon has enacted SB 1544, streamlining the renewal process for motor vehicle dismantler certificates and expanding eligibility for state public transportation funding. Dismantler operations will benefit from reduced administrative burdens during license renewals, while local authorities retain oversight for new site approvals and expansions.

3 Apr 2026, 19:24olis.oregonlegislature.govUnited States

NEN Publishes NEN‑EN‑ISO 17507‑1:2026 and 17507‑2:2026 for Methane Number Calculation of Gaseous Fuels

The Netherlands has adopted new international standards (ISO 17507) harmonizing methane number calculations for natural gas, biomethane, and hydrogen blends. These standards provide a unified technical basis for fuel specifications and engine performance, reducing compliance risk and contractual uncertainty in the transition to low-carbon fuels.

3 Apr 2026, 18:27nen.nlNetherlands

Iowa Senate Files Amendment S-5147 To HF 2671 On B-20-Compatible State Rental Diesel Vehicles

Iowa is advancing legislation requiring all state-rented or leased diesel passenger vehicles to be B-20 biodiesel compatible for contracts starting July 2026. This mandate signals a shift toward higher biofuel integration in public fleets, requiring rental providers and OEMs to verify engine certifications for state contract eligibility.

3 Apr 2026, 18:18legis.iowa.govUnited States

EU Council Presidency Publishes Compromise Text To Amend Directive 92/6/EEC For Certain N2 Electric Vehicles

The EU Council is advancing a proposal to exempt specific N2 category electric vehicles from mandatory speed limitation device requirements under Directive 92/6/EEC. This regulatory simplification reduces technical burdens for electric light-duty trucks, signaling a shift toward tailored safety standards for zero-emission fleets.

3 Apr 2026, 17:55eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

European Parliament Publishes Study On Chinese Industrial Overcapacity In Key Green-Tech Sectors

The European Parliament released a strategic study on Chinese industrial overcapacity across the battery, hydrogen, semiconductor, and robotics sectors. Businesses should prepare for increased trade-defense actions and a more protectionist EU industrial policy aimed at securing domestic green-tech supply chains.

2 Apr 2026, 17:46europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

Germany Updates TRGS 910 Risk-Based Measures Concept For PAH Mixtures And Used Engine Oils

Germany has expanded the TRGS 910 risk-based framework to include PAH mixtures and used engine oils, effective March 2026. Operations handling these substances must immediately update risk assessments and exposure controls to meet stricter carcinogenic management standards.

2 Apr 2026, 15:29baua.deGermany

US House Proposes CANS Act of 2026 Requiring Aluminum Recycling Study (H.R. 7992)

The US House has introduced the CANS Act of 2026, proposing a recurring federal study to track aluminum disposal in landfills and scrap exports to foreign entities of concern. This initiative signals a shift toward federal intervention in aluminum circularity, likely preceding future mandates on domestic scrap retention and recycling requirements for the automotive and industrial sectors.

2 Apr 2026, 10:59govinfo.govUnited States

EU Council Adopts Amendment to Regulation (EU) 2019/1242 on Heavy-Duty Vehicle Emission Credits for 2025–2029

The EU has finalized updated rules for calculating heavy-duty vehicle emission credits covering the 2025–2029 reporting periods. Automotive manufacturers should immediately evaluate the impact on their credit balances and fleet compliance strategies to mitigate regulatory risk through 2030.

1 Apr 2026, 19:15data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Environment Council Holds Policy Debate on Amendment of CO2 Emission Standards for Cars and Vans

EU Environment Council ministers have initiated high-level policy debates on proposed amendments to CO2 emission standards for cars and vans. While no immediate legal changes were adopted, the focus on fleet targets and vehicle labeling signals a likely tightening of post-2030 compliance requirements for the automotive sector.

1 Apr 2026, 18:33data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

Council of the EU Adopts Targeted Flexibility in CO2 Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles

The EU Council has adopted temporary CO2 emission credit flexibility for heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers covering the 2025–2029 reporting years. This amendment provides a strategic compliance window for heavy lorry and bus producers to bank credits ahead of stricter 2030 targets while maintaining long-term decarbonization trajectories.

1 Apr 2026, 14:41consilium.europa.euEuropean Union