Auto Innovators Legal Forum 2026

Auto Innovators staff will discuss legislative activity in the franchise space. What happened in 2026 and what challenges await manufacturers in 2027. This session will offer attendees insights into the how and why franchise statutes are the way they are.

This panel will examine state laws governing payments to dealers for performance of warranty work. It will examine the laws governing time guides, and it will consider the erosion of reasonability defenses against excessive rates.

This panel will examine how the evolving policy environment, such as the Bureau of Industry and Security’s Connected Vehicles Rule, is reshaping automotive supply chains. Three experienced lawyers will address these policies from distinct perspectives: enforcement and compliance risks, how automakers are adapting their sourcing and contracting strategies, and the resulting challenges for Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. The discussion will highlight the practical implications for supplier selection, due diligence, contractual risk allocation, and long-term supply-chain planning.

Partners from leading firms in the franchise space will discuss trends that they see in their practices. Attendees are encouraged to participate in this conversational panel by sharing their own observations. The discussion will give attendees an opportunity to see patterns in tactics deployed by dealer counsel and experts.

Litigators will discuss the recent and ongoing legal disputes between the federal government and California over California’s authority to regulate mobile sources. This panel-style discussion will offer insights into these legal battles, the potential outcomes, and how industry can navigate the resulting regulatory uncertainty.

Counsel from Mayer Brown and Shook Hardy Bacon will provide an overview of the association’s activity as amici in various types of cases. From tort law to lemon law in state courts and MDLs, this will include some quick examples and discussion on types of cases where counsel believes the auto industry’s voice is needed.

The distribution of automobiles is heavily regulated by state laws. This panel will examine direct sales controversies in legislatures and courtrooms about whether certain manufacturers can sell directly to consumers. The panel will also examine the manufacturer role in the franchise model including best practices for manufacturers who identify problems within their network such as financially distressed dealers or potentially unethical or unlawful activity. The panel will also discuss evolving state regulation of how manufacturers that sell through the franchise model can allocate vehicles and structure compliant dealer and consumer incentives.

In the Supreme Court term ending on June 30, the Court will decide cases involving a wide variety of consequential business issues, including the President’s tariff authority; limits on the removal of heads of federal administrative agencies; the scope of liability under the federal securities laws; federal agencies’ power to adjudicate enforcement actions; preemption; and contributory liability for copyright infringement. This presentation will examine the Court’s decisions in key business cases, offer insights into what lies ahead, and discuss the Court’s approach to cases challenging Trump Administration initiatives.

The oil and gas industry continues to battle against more than thirty tort and consumer fraud lawsuits brought by cities, counties, and states, which are funded in part by private interests and advocacy groups. These same interest groups have published articles and press releases that have accused the auto industry of being involved in the same conduct, from climate denial in the 1990s to greenwashing today. The presentation will provide an overview of the climate litigation, discuss where it may be going, and describe the allegations against the auto industry and how it could be impacted by the litigation.