Skip to content
2026 Automotive Trends Survey
Thank you in advance for taking this quick survey (3–4 minutes). Responses are confidential and will be included only in aggregate in Dykema’s 2026 Automotive Trends Report.
*
What is your company’s role within the automotive industry?
(Required.)
Original Equipment Manufacturer
Supplier
Dealership
Other Industry Organization (advocacy, research, lobbying, etc.)
Outside Legal Support
Outside Financial Support
Outside Software/Digital Support
Outside Sales/Marketing
Other (please specify)
*
1. Which
SUPPLY CHAIN
challenges will have the greatest impact on the industry in 2026? [SELECT UP TO 3]
(Required.)
Tariff-driven cost pressures
Bankruptcy risks in the supply chain
Legal challenges to supply agreements
Electric vehicle production cutbacks
Semiconductor (chips) and critical minerals availability
Disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions
Compliance with forced labor and human rights laws and regulations
Other (please specify)
*
2. What are the main
CYBERSECURITY AND DATA PRIVACY
challenges facing the industry in 2026? [SELECT UP TO 3]
(Required.)
New cybersecurity regulations and standards
Ransomware attacks, extortion
AI-driven cyberattacks
Supply chain/tech stack vulnerabilities (software or hardware)
EV charging infrastructure attacks
Compliance with state privacy laws for connected vehicle data
Other (please specify)
*
3. Which
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
challenges will be most significant for the industry in 2026? [SELECT UP TO 3]
(Required.)
IP theft
Counterfeit parts
Inventorship disputes over AI-generated content
Ownership disputes over proprietary AI
AI patent eligibility under evolving US law
Software-defined vehicle (SDV) IP licensing risks
Joint R&D project ownership disputes
Other (please specify)
*
4. Which
GOVERNMENT POLICY
developments will most influence the industry in 2026? [SELECT UP TO 3]
(Required.)
NHTSA proposed revisions to CAFE standards / Efforts to revoke California Clean Air Act waivers
USMCA renegotiations
Tariff policies
Auto loan interest deduction under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (up to $10,000 interest deduction for U.S.-assembled vehicles)
Elimination or modification of EV tax credits and incentives
Reduced regulatory oversight of labor practices
Increased support for reshoring initiatives
Other (please specify)
*
5. Which issues present the greatest
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT
risks for the industry in 2026? [SELECT UP TO 3]
(Required.)
Compliance with CARB/EPA vehicle emissions and fuel economy regulatory changes
State and Federal oversight of ADAS/ADS including crash reporting
NHTSA scrutiny of recall remedies and completion rates
DOJ criminal enforcement risk for safety defects and disclosure failures
Customs and Border Protection tariff and customs enforcement
FTC enforcement for unfair/deceptive connected vehicle data practices
State privacy compliance and AG enforcement for connected vehicle data practices
Other (please specify)
*
6. Which legal risks in the
ELECTRIC AND AUTONOMOUS
vehicle space will be most significant for the industry in 2026? [SELECT UP TO 3]
(Required.)
EV range, charging speed, and performance disclosures and marketing
Connected vehicle data privacy, consent, and monetization requirements
State and local AV deployment rules (permitting, restrictions, enforcement)
Battery safety compliance and end-of-life recycling/disposal obligations
Charging access and right-to-charge compliance
Liability allocation and risk-sharing for AI/ADAS driving decisions
Autonomous/ADAS product liability and defect litigation
Other (please specify)
*
7. Which
LITIGATION
risks present the greatest exposure in 2026? [SELECT UP TO 3]
(Required.)
EV battery fire and thermal runaway litigation
EV range and performance litigation
Connected vehicle data privacy and cybersecurity class actions
Employment litigation tied to layoffs and restructuring
Supply chain litigation (e.g., pricing, tariffs, termination, tooling, warranty/recall and indemnification)
Counterfeit parts and trademark infringement disputes
Autonomous/ADAS product liability and defect litigation
Other (please specify)
*
8. Which
AI-RELATED LEGAL RISKS
will be top priorities for the industry in 2026? [SELECT UP TO 3]
(Required.)
Liability allocation for AI-driven vehicle decisions in crashes
Compliance challenges under emerging AI laws and regulations
AI-powered driver interaction risks
AI use in manufacturing quality control
AI-enabled predictive diagnostics and maintenance tools
Data quality, privacy, and cybersecurity requirements for AI training data
AI vendor contracting risks
Other (please specify)
*
9. Which trends are most likely to drive automotive and mobility
M&A ACTIVITY
in 2026? [SELECT UP TO 3]
(Required.)
Need to increase supply chain resiliency
Tariff-driven supply chain restructuring
Shift from EVs toward hybrid vehicles
Need for stronger cyber and data security
Semiconductor (chips) and critical material shortages
Divestiture of underperforming assets
Technology acquisitions for software-defined vehicle capabilities
Other (please specify)
*
10. Which
LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT
legal challenges will be top priorities for the industry in 2026? [SELECT UP TO 3]
(Required.)
Non-compete and trade secret enforcement driven by talent mobility
Immigration and work authorization constraints for specialized technical workers
WARN Act compliance for layoffs amid restructuring
Joint employer liability
Multi-state wage and hour compliance
Whistleblower retaliation claims
DEI program adjustments in response to legal and policy changes
Other (please specify)
