Dykema's second annual Automotive Trends Report draws on industry leaders, from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers to experienced executives and key decision makers, to provide insight into the legal landscape in this area. We identify trends that will shape the current state of affairs and the way forward.
This year, Dykema expanded its research to find out what respondents are most concerned about across 12 key areas.
- supply chain,
- autonomous vehicles (AV);
- cyber security and data privacy,
- electric vehicle (EV),
- risk and litigation;
- government policy,
- Intellectual property (IP);
- government investigations and compliance;
- financial difficulties and bankruptcy;
- labor and employment;
- antitrust laws and
- Sales outlet.
This year's report highlights the shadow of Big Tech and its impact on the legal landscape of the auto industry. Electric and self-driving vehicles continue to take center stage, and respondents have grown more aware in the past year about the potential legal implications of these advances, including product liability and other litigation focused on new technologies. I reiterate my concerns. Additionally, driven by both environmental imperatives and consumer demand, policymakers are paving the way for stronger regulations and incentives to foster an ecosystem in which EVs and AVs can take off in earnest.
Beyond the shiny chrome of these tech stars, this study reveals potential obstacles that could wreak havoc on the industry's good fortunes. Antitrust scrutiny is particularly intense for collaborations and investments in EV and AV technology. The workforce situation remains complex post-strike, and labor and employment laws are dynamically changing, impacting non-compete agreements and overtime regulations. And supply chain disruptions continue to linger, a constant reminder of the fragility of our interconnected world.
