Key Legal Insights from Foley’s Automotive Team Analysis by Julie Dautermann, Competitive Intelligence Analyst Foley is here to help you through all aspects of rethinking your long-term business strategies, investments, partnerships, and technology. Contact the authors, your Foley relationship partner, or our Automotive Team to discuss and learn more. AUTOMOTIVE KEY DEVELOPMENTS - The most recent article in Foley & Lardner’s 2026 AI in Manufacturing & Supply Chain Series is AI Bills of Materials (AI-BOMs) and Model Provenance: Contracting for Cybersecurity in AI-Enabled Manufacturing Supply Chains. Subscribe here to get updates about new articles in this series. - U.S. new light-vehicle sales in July 2026 are projected to reach a SAAR of 16.9 million units, representing an increase of 1.4% year-over-year, according to a joint forecast from JD Power and GlobalData. - Automotive News released its 2026 list of the top 100 global parts suppliers. - The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee voted unanimously to send the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 (S.4429) to the full Senate for consideration. Expanding on Commerce Department rules that restrict the sales of connected vehicles with software or hardware linked to China, the Senate proposal would prohibit the U.S. sale of connected vehicles by companies that are more than 15% owned by Chinese entities, such as Mercedes-Benz. A similar bill remains under consideration in the House. - On July 24, 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a notice granting a petition to begin the rulemaking process for potential new car door safety requirements. If finalized, the requirements would mandate a “robust and obvious door egress system in all motor vehicles.” - Stellantis reintroduced a supplier reward program that shares certain cost savings. TRADE/TARIFFS - Foley & Lardner provided updates for multinationals regarding the escalation of customs and tariff enforcement by the