02/24/2026: OICA’s 5 major news items summarized

European Auto Sales Fall Even as EV Demand Cushions the Drop Bloomberg – Monica Raymunt – February 24, 2026 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-24/european-auto-sales-fall-even-as-ev-demand-cushions-the-drop?srnd=phx-industries-transportation European car sales (source ACEA) fell 3.5% in January to 961,382 units, ending six months of growth as weakness in France and Germany offset gains in the UK and Italy. EV demand rose strongly, supported […]

02/23/2026: OICA’s 5 major news items summarized

Trump exempts vehicles, parts from new 15% global duty after Supreme Court loss Automotive News – John Irwin – February 20, 2026 https://www.autonews.com/manufacturing/an-trump-tariffs-supreme-court-ruling-0220/ Following a Supreme Court ruling invalidating prior tariffs, Trump introduced a temporary 15% global duty under Section 122 but exempted vehicles and auto parts already covered by Section 232 tariffs. Measures last […]

02/17/2026: OICA’s 5 major news items summarized

Automakers Face Pressure to Bring Back Physical Buttons on Fear of Screen Failures Automotive News Europe – Lois Jones – February 16, 2026 EuroNCAP now favors physical controls for key safety functions to secure five-star ratings, pushing automakers to rethink touchscreen-only interiors. Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz are reintroducing buttons and switches. https://www.autonews.com/technology/ane-euroncap-button-replace-touchscreens-0216/ Ford CEO Jim Farley, […]

02/16/2026: OICA’s 5 major news items summarized

Honda, Toyota Voice Concerns Over EU’s ‘Made in Europe’ Plan Nikkei – Clement Ngu – February 14, 2026 Honda Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Europe warn EU local-content rules could restrict access to funding and contracts, reduce competition and risk breaching WTO obligations unless UK-made vehicles are recognized as European. https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/honda-toyota-voice-concerns-over-eu-s-made-in-europe-plan2 JSW MG Plans $441 […]

02/13/2026: OICA’s 5 major news items summarized

Trump EPA Kills Landmark Emissions Finding Used for Vehicle Regulations Automotive News – Molly Boigon – February 12, 2026 The repeal of the EPA’s 2009 Endangerment Finding removes the legal basis for U.S. vehicle GHG regulations, creating planning uncertainty for automakers like Ford Motor Company and General Motors despite easing compliance burdens. https://www.autonews.com/regulation-safety/an-endangerment-finding-repeal-0212/ China Softens […]

02/12/2026: OICA’s 5 major news items summarized

Mercedes 2025 Earnings More Than Halve in Year Rocked by Tariffs, China Woes Reuters – Rachel More – February 12, 2026 Mercedes-Benz saw 2025 EBIT plunge 57% to €5.8bn amid China competition, tariffs and currency headwinds. Revenue fell 9%. Management targets 8%–10% medium-term margins through cost discipline and new models despite a volatile market. https://www.reuters.com/world/china/mercedes-reports-2025-earnings-plunge-year-rocked-by-tariffs-china-woes-2026-02-12/ […]

02/11/2026: OICA’s 5 major news items summarized

German Automotive Companies Turn Their Backs on Germany Les Echos – Thibaut Madelin – February 10, 2026 A VDA survey shows 72% of German auto firms plan to delay, cancel or relocate investments from Germany, citing energy costs, bureaucracy and regulation. Investment momentum is shifting toward the U.S. and China, as industry leaders warn of […]

02/10/2026: OICA’s 5 major news items summarized

BYD Joins Wave of Firms Challenging Trump’s Tariffs in US Court Bloomberg News – February 10, 2026 BYD sued in U.S. court seeking refunds for Trump-era import tariffs, arguing they were unlawfully imposed. The case joins hundreds of similar claims ahead of a Supreme Court ruling, highlighting how tariffs continue to shape EV investment and […]

02/09/2026: OICA’s 5 major news items summarized

Stellantis Books €22 Billion Write-Down on EV Reset, Cancels Dividend Automotive News Europe – ANE Staff – February 6, 2026 Stellantis took €22bn in charges after scaling back EV ambitions, canceling its dividend and posting heavy losses. The group is delaying EV programs, reviving combustion and hybrids, and issuing debt to stabilize finances amid weak […]

02/06/2026: OICA’s 5 major news items summarized

Toyota Names CFO Kenta Kon as New CEO in Surprise Move Nikkei – Yuichi Shiga – February 6, 2026 Toyota Motor appoints CFO Kenta Kon as CEO from April, shifting Koji Sato to vice chairman. The move prioritizes profitability and execution as Toyota lifts profit forecasts, maintains strong hybrid-led sales, and extends its global sales […]