Automotive

Germany BGH Remands VW EA288 Diesel Defeat-Device Case for Reassessment of Difference Damage (VIa ZR 1738/22)

In May 2026, Germany’s Federal Court of Justice partly overturned a lower court judgment in case VIa ZR 1738/22 and remanded a VW Golf EA288 “thermal window” defeat-device lawsuit to reassess potential difference-in-value damages under the EU vehicle emissions framework. The ruling reinforces that breaches of type-approval rules can trigger civil liability and ongoing diesel litigation risk for Volkswagen and other manufacturers, even where vehicles remain roadworthy and recalls have been completed.

13 May 2026, 09:38rechtsprechung-im-internet.deGermany

Romania ANPC Conducts Nationwide Toy and Auto Service Inspections With Sanctions Over 3.4 Million Lei

Romania’s National Authority for Consumer Protection carried out nationwide inspections of toy retailers and automotive service providers between 4 and 8 May 2026, imposing over 3.4 million lei in fines and other sanctions for non-compliant products and unsafe or misleading service practices. This enforcement campaign signals sustained scrutiny of consumer product and service markets, highlighting operational and compliance risks for retailers and workshops that fail to meet safety, information and contractual standards across Romania.

13 May 2026, 09:22anpc.roRomania

Colorado House Advances SB26-003 on EV Battery End-Of-Life Management

Colorado lawmakers advanced SB26-003, with the House passing an amended version on second reading, to expand the state’s Battery Stewardship Act to cover end-of-life management of electric vehicle propulsion batteries and introduce a series of registration, labelling, collection and reporting duties from 2027 onward. If enacted, the law would create a dedicated producer-responsibility regime for EV batteries in Colorado, including a landfill disposal ban from late 2028, raising compliance expectations for automotive OEMs, importers, fleets and recyclers and signalling tighter lifecycle controls on high-voltage battery systems.

12 May 2026, 18:53leg.colorado.govUnited States

UNECE WP.29 To Consider Supplement 2 to UN Regulation No. 176 on Field of Vision Assistant Systems

UNECE’s Working Party on General Safety Provisions has submitted to the June 2026 WP.29 session a proposal for Supplement 2 to UN Regulation No. 176 on field-of-vision assistant systems, clarifying how the Regulation applies to new vehicle categories X and Y and to vehicles equipped with automated driving systems (ADS). The draft would refine the scope exclusions and human–machine interface rules for FVA displays (including when non-driving-related content may be shown) but remains non-binding until adopted by WP.29/AC.1 and brought into force.

UNECE WP.29 Proposes Supplement 3 to UN Regulation No. 159 on Moving Off Information Systems

In May 2026 the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) circulated working document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2026/126 (GE.26-05878 (E)), a proposal for Supplement 3 to UN Regulation No. 159 on Moving Off Information Systems (MOIS), for consideration by the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) at its June 2026 session. The text, adopted by the Working Party on General Safety Provisions (GRSG), clarifies how MOIS requirements apply to vehicles of categories X and Y and to vehicles equipped with Automated Driving Systems (ADS): MOIS are only required when a driver is in control; vehicles without the ability to be controlled by a driver (category Y and category X without an on-board manual mode) are excluded; and category X vehicles with on-board manual operation not using a conventional driver’s seat may meet alternative requirements under a documented safety concept. If adopted and then implemented in national and regional type-approval schemes, these changes will influence the design and approval of heavy vehicles (M2, M3, N2, N3) with MOIS, especially where automated driving functions or unconventional driving arrangements are used.

Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Poland and Slovakia Issue Non-paper on Technological Neutrality in EU CO₂ Car Standards

In March 2026, five EU member states issued a Council non-paper urging a technologically neutral revision of EU CO2 standards for cars and vans, including recognising CO2-neutral fuels, broadening fuel credits, and easing compliance flexibilities for vans and small manufacturers. Although non-binding, this coordinated position could shape negotiations on EU vehicle CO2 rules, potentially preserving combustion-engine pathways and reshaping compliance and investment strategies for automotive manufacturers, fuel suppliers, and fleet operators.

12 May 2026, 14:43data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Adopts Regulation (EU) 2026/1046 Amending CO2 Emission Credit Rules for Heavy-Duty Vehicles (2025–2029 Reporting Periods)

The EU has adopted Regulation (EU) 2026/1046, effective late May 2026, to change how CO2 emission credits are calculated for heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers for reporting years 2025–2029 under Regulation (EU) 2019/1242. This gives OEMs more flexibility and potential additional credits ahead of 2030 while leaving CO2 targets unchanged, so compliance teams should update calculation tools, reporting processes, and product and fleet planning accordingly.

12 May 2026, 14:29boe.esEuropean Union

UNECE WP.29 Proposes Supplement 1 to UN Regulation No. 66 on Superstructure Strength for Automated and Category X Vehicles

UNECE’s vehicle regulations forum (WP.29) has tabled a June 2026 proposal to clarify that UN Regulation No. 66 on bus and coach superstructure strength fully covers automated, driverless and category X vehicles, including those without a driver’s compartment or manual controls. If adopted, this will align rollover strength and mass definitions for automated fleets with existing requirements, signalling that automation does not relax structural safety expectations for future type-approved vehicles.

UNECE WP.29 Proposes Supplement 4 to UN Regulation No. 135 on Pole Side Impact

UNECE’s WP.29 has issued a working document in April 2026 proposing Supplement 4 to the 02 series of UN Regulation No. 135 on pole side impact. Automotive manufacturers applying UN R135 should track this proposal as it foreshadows potential updates to crash performance requirements and future type-approval obligations.

Louisiana Bill HB929 Would Create Motor Vehicle Glass Insurance Law

Louisiana’s HB929, now pending Senate final passage, would establish a Motor Vehicle Glass Law that classifies certain auto glass repair and insurance-claim behaviours as unfair trade practices and mandates detailed ADAS calibration and pricing disclosures. This would tighten oversight of auto glass repair networks and insurer relationships in Louisiana, requiring repair shops and motor insurers to adjust marketing, claim-handling, and calibration practices to avoid penalties once the bill takes effect.

11 May 2026, 12:07legis.la.govUnited States

US NHTSA Receives Kawasaki Petition on Motorcycle Brake Warning Label Noncompliance (FMVSS No. 122)

NHTSA has opened a public comment period on Kawasaki’s petition to treat missing warning text on rear brake fluid reservoir caps across roughly 125,000 motorcycles spanning legacy police models and recent Ninja ZX‑6R, Z125 Pro and KLR 650 lines as an inconsequential noncompliance with FMVSS No. 122. If NHTSA ultimately finds the labelling deviation inconsequential, Kawasaki could be relieved of recall and remedy duties for affected units it no longer controls, shaping expectations for brake component labelling, petition strategy, and resale risk for similar noncompliant vehicles.

11 May 2026, 12:06govinfo.govUnited States

EU Commission Presents Procurement Implications of Industrial Accelerator Act Proposal

In March 2026 the European Commission briefed Member States on how its proposed Industrial Accelerator Act would hardwire Made in EU origin and low-carbon content thresholds into EU public procurement and support schemes for EVs, net-zero technologies and key industrial materials. If adopted, these phased requirements from 2029 onward would significantly reshape tender strategies, localisation decisions and supply-chain design for automotive, construction and clean-tech suppliers seeking access to EU-funded projects and public contracts.

11 May 2026, 12:04data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

California SB 1392: Senate Appropriations Sets 14 May Hearing on Collector Vehicle Smog-Check Exemptions

California’s SB 1392 (Jay Leno’s Law), which would broaden smog-check exemptions for certain older collector motor vehicles, is scheduled for a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on 14 May 2026. If the bill advances, emissions-testing and automotive stakeholders may see reduced inspection obligations for a small historic-vehicle segment, signalling incremental loosening of state vehicle air pollution controls.

11 May 2026, 11:38leginfo.legislature.ca.govUnited States

EU Industrial Accelerator Act Proposal Details “Made in EU” Criteria for Corporate Vehicles

Commission services outlined the Industrial Accelerator Act proposal to EU transport officials, showing how Article 13 and Annex III would define staged “made in EU” content criteria for corporate vehicle components and batteries that underpin the clean corporate vehicles framework. This strengthens the signal that future public support for corporate fleets will favour vehicles with EU-assembled chassis, batteries and key electronics, tightening localisation requirements over time even though precise calendar dates will depend on when the Act is adopted.

11 May 2026, 11:18data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Council Working Party Reviews Industrial Accelerator Act 'Made In EU' Rules For Clean Corporate Vehicle Support

In March 2026 the European Commission briefed EU Member States on how the proposed Industrial Accelerator Act will define “made in the EU” criteria for corporate cars and vans supported under the draft Clean Corporate Vehicles Regulation. This ties future corporate fleet incentives to phased EU assembly and component-origin thresholds, reinforcing the need to align sourcing, investment and fleet renewal strategies with EU-based manufacturing.

11 May 2026, 11:17data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

UNECE WP.29 Proposes Supplement 5 To UN Regulation No. 151 On Blind Spot Information Systems

UNECE’s World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations has issued working document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2026/124 proposing Supplement 5 to UN Regulation No. 151 on blind spot information systems, published in May 2026. If adopted, this supplement would amend type-approval requirements for factory-fitted blind spot information systems, so vehicle manufacturers and importers should track the proposal and plan for possible adjustments to system design, testing and approval strategies.

UN WP.29 Proposes Supplement 6 To UN Regulation No. 158 On Rear Visibility/Detection Devices

UNECE’s World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations has circulated a 2026 working document proposing Supplement 6 to UN Regulation No. 158 on rear visibility and detection devices for vehicles. If adopted, this supplement would amend technical and testing requirements for rear-visibility and detection systems under the UN vehicle regulation framework, prompting manufacturers that rely on UN Regulation No. 158 to review design and type-approval strategies for these technologies.

Delaware Senate Adopts Substitute SS 1 to SB 255 on Motor Vehicle Window Tint Limits

In May 2026 the Delaware Senate adopted Substitute Bill SS 1 to SB 255, revising a pending amendment to Title 21 of the Delaware Code on motor vehicle window tinting and sending the substitute to committee. If enacted, the bill would relax current front-side window tint limits but require a 50% visible light transmission threshold—tighter than the 35% originally proposed—shaping what tint levels aftermarket suppliers and vehicle owners can legally use in Delaware.

9 May 2026, 14:12legis.delaware.govUnited States

California CARB Workshop on Governor’s Proposed Zero-Emission Vehicle Incentive Program

California is holding a virtual CARB workshop on 20 May 2026 to review policies for a proposed $200 million zero-emission vehicle incentive programme that would buy down vehicle prices in partnership with automakers. If implemented, this OEM-matched, IRA-aligned point-of-sale incentive scheme could significantly influence ZEV pricing, demand and sales strategies in California, so manufacturers should track emerging eligibility, price caps and reimbursement rules.

9 May 2026, 13:39ww2.arb.ca.govUnited States

UN Regulation No. 170 on Child Restraint Systems for Buses and Coaches — Supplement 1 Enters Into Force

UN Regulation No. 170 on child restraint systems for buses and coaches has been consolidated up to Supplement 1, which entered into force on 11 January 2026 and is republished in Italy’s Official Gazette. This confirms binding design, testing, and conformity requirements for child restraint systems in markets applying the UNECE 1958 Agreement, meaning bus and restraint manufacturers must align new products and type-approvals with the updated UN R170 standard.

9 May 2026, 13:38gazzettaufficiale.itEuropean UnionUNECE