Regulation

BMW confirms plan for Brazilian assembly plant amid new import rules

BMW will submit an investment plan to the Brazilian government after months of uncertainty caused by higher import taxes and stricter local production requirements.

EU Law Change Opens Door for Autonomous Cars on European Roads

A new amendment to the Vienna Convention clears legal barriers for self-driving vehicles, allowing European countries to permit autonomous driving technology from May 2014.

EU Commissioner Presses Volkswagen for Dieselgate Compensation in Europe

Elżbieta Bieńkowska calls on Volkswagen to match US-style goodwill payments for European owners affected by the emissions scandal, citing fairness and company reputation.

Environmental trust pursues $13.5m from 'old' GM after bankruptcy

A trust handling environmental cleanups at former GM sites says the pre-2009 company failed to pay $13.5 million promised as part of its bankruptcy settlement.

European Parliament Approves 95g CO2/km Limit for 2020–2022

From 2020, carmakers must cut average fleet emissions to 95g CO2/km, with a transitional phase and the end of supercredits by 2022.

Autonomous Cars Could Abandon Steering Wheels and Pedals

Fully self-driving vehicles may soon make traditional controls and safety features redundant, raising questions for manufacturers and regulators.

UK car industry urges energy cost reform as production falls

UK vehicle output dropped sharply in July 2026, prompting manufacturers to demand urgent action on high energy costs and regulatory barriers.

Learner Drivers Must Book Their Own Tests Under New DVSA Rules

From May 2026, only learner drivers can book and manage their own UK driving tests, ending third-party bookings and ensuring learners pay only the official DVSA fee.

Audi engineer claims top managers knew about Dieselgate

A former Audi engineer has told German investigators that senior Audi management was aware of emissions cheating as early as 2006, deepening scrutiny of the VW Group scandal.

Milton Keynes to Launch AI-Controlled Smart Traffic Lights in 2018

A £3 million project will see over 2,500 cameras and AI systems deployed across Milton Keynes, aiming to reduce congestion by reacting to real-time traffic conditions.

Volkswagen backs European CNG expansion with filling station push

Volkswagen has committed to growing the compressed natural gas market in Europe, aiming to double filling stations and boost CNG vehicle numbers by 2025.

Mercedes-Benz Vito Taxi Approved for London Black Cab Duty

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz Vito, modified to meet Transport for London’s strict requirements, enters service as a fully certified black cab with capacity for six passengers.

Elaine Chao Confirmed as US Secretary of Transportation

Elaine Chao takes charge of the US Department of Transportation after a decisive Senate vote, positioning her to oversee infrastructure, safety and autonomous vehicle policy.

NHTSA clears Tesla Autopilot, cites 40% drop in crash rates

US safety regulators have closed their investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot, finding no defects and reporting a substantial reduction in crash rates after Autosteer was introduced.

BMW and Mercedes-Benz Begin Public Autonomous Vehicle Trials in Germany

BMW and Mercedes-Benz have both secured approval to run autonomous vehicle tests on German public roads, escalating competition between the two in self-driving technology.

VW targets late October for 3.0-litre TDI emissions fix deal

Volkswagen aims to agree a US-approved repair for 3.0-litre diesel engines by late October, potentially affecting around 85,000 Audi, Porsche and VW vehicles.

Aston Martin to Recall Over 6,000 Cars in US Over Door Lock Safety Issue

US safety regulators have ordered Aston Martin to recall 6,076 cars from 2010 to 2016 after its double-lock anti-theft system was found non-compliant with federal standards.

Ukraine Police Switch to 651 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVs

Ukraine’s police will replace older Russian-built vehicles with 651 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV crossovers as part of a government fleet overhaul linked to environmental commitments.

Daimler Q2 2016 earnings beat expectations despite recall costs

Daimler posted €3.97bn in adjusted EBIT for Q2 2016, outpacing forecasts even as recall and legal costs weighed on results, with vans and financial services driving gains.

German Transport Authority Reviews Tesla Autopilot Update

The Federal Motor Transport Authority is examining Tesla’s latest Autopilot software update after concerns were raised about its approval process in Germany.

Volkswagen Faces Possible Sales Ban in South Korea Amid Emissions Scandal

South Korea’s environment ministry is considering revoking certification for 32 Volkswagen Group models, a move that could halt all VW sales in the country this month.

London to Introduce £10 Surcharge for High-Polluting Cars in City Centre

Pre-Euro 4 petrol and diesel vehicles face a new £10 daily charge from 2017, adding to the existing congestion fee in a bid to tackle air pollution.

PSA real-world fuel tests confirm lab figures understate consumption

Peugeot Citroën's latest public road tests show real-world fuel use for its models averages 44 percent higher than official figures, raising fresh questions over lab-based certification.

Volkswagen Agrees $15.7bn Settlement with US Regulators over Diesel Scandal

VW will spend up to $10 billion on buybacks and fixes for 475,000 diesel cars and fund environmental projects as part of a record US settlement.