Insights on Automotive

Arent Fox LLP is pleased to announce that the firm negotiated an exceptional carve-out on behalf of Volkswagen dealer Palisades Volkswagen in a nationwide VW dealer diesel scandal class action settlement – the largest ever of its kind.

From large corporations to small nonprofits, from urban centers to rural communities, the 2016 elections will have an impact across all sectors of the economy and globally as well.

While autonomous car technology currently dominates privacy and security headlines in the automotive sector, cybersecurity should be top of mind for all players in our industry, including retail automotive dealerships.

Automotive practice group chair Aaron Jacoby recently spoke with the Daily Journal about how the future of the industry has arrived, leaving courts and regulators even further behind than expected.

Last week, Volkswagen reached a deal with VW retailers over losses ensuing from the diesel emissions scandal and allegedly defrauding retailers by cheating on emissions tests.

The size - $14.7 billion – and speed of the Volkswagen emissions scandal settlement announced this week sent waves through the automotive industry, with the environmental case edging out recent consumer harm cases as the largest-ever consumer automotive settlement.

On Monday, the US Supreme Court ordered the Ninth Circuit to reconsider whether Service Advisors are exempt from overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

From automated cars, syncing software, to wearable devices that interact with a vehicle, it is clear that our time in the car is under an era of rapid change.

Last week, the International Trade Commission issued its report on the Trans-Pacific Partnership’s overall impact on US trade.

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.