Perspectives on Automotive

On Wednesday, the US International Trade Commission (ITC) released its economic assessment of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, predicting small rises in US employment, GDP, and exports as a result of the agreement over the next 15 years.

On May 3, Arent Fox LLP won a precedent setting decision with national implications on behalf of Beck Chevrolet Co., Inc. before the New York Court of Appeals on certified questions from the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Autonomous driving, hybrids, and electric vehicles are now squarely part of our generation’s lexicon.

NHTSA issued an Enforcement Guidance Bulletin that outlines the agency’s views on emerging automotive technologies. The bulletin suggests guiding principles and best practices for vehicle and equipment manufacturers as they develop and implement new technologies and report safety related defects.

Automotive Practice Group leader and Los Angeles Managing Partner Aaron Jacoby was interviewed by Automotive News for a recent article, “When is a sale not really a sale?”

International trade events continue to occur at break neck speed. The Toronto International Auto Show takes place later this week, on the heels of the signing of the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) in New Zealand.

Automotive Practice Group Leader and Los Angeles Managing Partner Aaron Jacoby was interviewed by Automotive News for a recent article, “Used-car loophole for recalls tightens up.”

On January 15, 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and 18 automakers pledged to work together to enhance safety and improve recalls. In addition, the automakers agreed to voluntarily work with the government to identify cybersecurity threats to cars and light trucks.

On January 16, 2016, the US Department of State and US Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took two actions that impact the auto industry.

Detroit business leaders understand the value of product innovation and market expansion. For many of these executives, the official release of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement in November signaled a new opportunity of export growth in a region quickly becoming a consumer powerhouse.

Arent Fox LLP is pleased to announce the appointment of partner Aaron H. Jacoby as Los Angeles Managing Partner.

Arent Fox Partner and Automotive Practice Group Leader Aaron Jacoby was quoted in a recent Automotive News article, “Automotive Cases to Watch in 2016.”

There has been no let-up in the push for a final Trans-Pacific Partnership since the accord was signed by the 12-member countries on October 5th. This is especially true in the US, where US Trade Representative Michael Froman said that the agreement will be the template for future trade pacts.

Arent Fox Partner and Automotive Practice Group Leader Aaron Jacoby was quoted in a recent Automotive News article, “Repair shops could get airbag recall work.”

Over the weekend, negotiators from the US, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and eight Pacific Rim countries agreed to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the largest regional trade accord in history, accounting for more than 40 percent of the global economy.  

Despite the setbacks in Maui last month during the last ministerial meeting of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)[1] many still believe that the negotiators will resolve all outstanding items so that an agreement can be signed by the end of 2015 and implemented in the Spring 2016.

Partner and Automotive Practice Group Leader Aaron Jacoby was quoted in a recent Law360 article on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s record $105 million fine against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Partner Aaron Jacoby was quoted in a recent Law360 article, “GM Plaintiffs’ King & Spalding Claims Face High Bar.”

Partner Aaron Jacoby was quoted in a recent Automotive News article, “California court case reworks technician pay plans.”

In April, Senator Byron Dorgan published an article with Automotive Law360 following Toyota’s recent launch of the Mirai, a new hydrogen fuel cell car.

Congress has considered a number of bipartisan efforts to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act and reform the manner in which the EPA regulates the distribution and use of chemical substances that EPA determines pose an “unreasonable risk to health or to the environment.”

Automotive suppliers should take note that California’s Proposition 65 now imposes a duty on suppliers to warn consumers about risks associated with exposure to several plasticizers or softeners added to certain soft plastics that are commonly used in automotive products.

Beck Chevrolet was represented by Automotive partner Russell P. McRory and Complex Litigation attorney James M. Westerlind.