Dykema Releases 2026 Automotive Trends Report: Industry Pressures Escalate Into Litigation, Compliance Mandates, and Operational Risk

Dykema’s Automotive, Mobility, and Transportation (AMT) Group, a four-time recipient of Law360’s Practice Group of the Year for Transportation, is excited to announce the release of its Fourth Annual Automotive Trends Report. The 2026 report examines how the automotive industry’s most persistent business pressures—from tariffs and supply chain disruptions to connected vehicle privacy obligations and AI regulation—have evolved from theoretical concerns to active legal and operational challenges.

Based on a survey of OEMs, suppliers, and other key stakeholders, the 2026 report analyzes developments across 10 core areas: Supply Chain, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy, Intellectual Property, Government Policy, Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement, Advanced Mobility, Risk and Litigation, Artificial Intelligence, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Labor & Employment.

This year’s findings reflect a market actively responding to market disruption. Companies are facing litigation over tariff allocation, supplier distress, and warranty exposure; navigating an increasingly fragmented web of state privacy laws for connected vehicle data; and addressing workforce constraints that threaten ongoing technology transformation. At the same time, AI compliance obligations, autonomous and ADAS liability exposure, and EV-related product claims continue to reshape legal risk across the sector.

“Across the industry, issues that once felt emerging or contained to the boardroom are now showing up as immediate legal and business problems,” said Laura Baucus, Director of Dykema's AMT Group. “This year’s report shows that companies are no longer asking what might change next. Instead, they’re figuring out how to navigate regulatory enforcement, commercial disputes, and operational strain right now.”

Dykema's 2026 Automotive Trends Report surveyed respondents on the legal and business issues expected to have the greatest impact in the coming year. Key findings include:

• Supply Chain Litigation: 61% of respondents cited supply chain litigation as a top concern, driven by tariff allocation disputes, supplier insolvency claims, and warranty-related conflicts.
• Talent Constraints: Over two-thirds pointed to immigration constraints affecting specialized technical workers as their top labor-related concern, reflecting growing pressure on talent pipelines needed to support the industry’s technology transition.
• Artificial Intelligence: 49% said AI compliance is now a primary issue, as regulatory frameworks such as the EU AI Act move from policy concept to operational mandate.
• Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: Nearly half identified state privacy laws governing connected vehicle data as a major concern, underscoring the challenge of complying with an increasingly fragmented regulatory environment.

The 2026 Automotive Trends Report provides a deeper look at how these issues are converging across the industry and offers practical legal insight for companies navigating a more enforcement-driven, litigation-focused operating environment.

To access the full report, please visit Dykema’s 2026 Automotive Trends Report.