Paul Laurenza Quoted in Law360

Cautions that While Use of Automated Technologies Continues to Grow in Auto Industry, “Driverless” Cars Pose Challenges

Press Mentions

5.14.14

Paul Laurenza, Office Managing Member of Dykema’s Washington, D.C. office and a member of the Firm’s Automotive Industry Group, was quoted in an article—“Proceed With Caution: Regs Auto Cos. Should Watch For,”  that appeared in the May 5, 2014 issue of Law360.

The article focuses on a myriad of new rules and regulations—addressing manufacturing, technology, environmental and lending under construction—that automakers need to stay atop.

In addition to his Dykema practice—in which he represents consumer product, automotive and other clients on federal regulatory and related litigation issues—Laurenza serves as Vice Chairman of the Connected Vehicle Trade Association (CVTA).

In the article, Laurenza notes that while automakers continue to incorporate more technologies into their vehicles—for instance, features that automatically apply the brakes when an accident is sensed—the broadscale use of truly “driverless” cars isn’t going to happen soon.

“Succeeding model years will see more and more automated technologies. Eventually we may get to a point where the driver cedes complete control of the vehicle, but there are a lot of questions that have to be answered first,” Laurenza notes. “There are no rules; there are no safety standards at the moment.”