Dykema’s Automotive Industry Group, a four-time recipient of Law360’s Practice Group of the Year for Transportation, is pleased to announce the release of its 3rd Annual Automotive Trends Report. This comprehensive analysis offers critical legal insights into the dynamic challenges and opportunities shaping the automotive industry in 2025.

Based on a survey of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), suppliers, and industry decision-makers, this year’s report delves into:

  • The impact of new tariffs and shifting trade policies
  • How AI is reshaping IP protection and liability concerns
  • Regulatory shifts affecting EVs, supply chains, and autonomous tech
  • Rising cybersecurity risks as AI-driven vehicles become the norm
  • Litigation trends, from product liability to consumer protection disputes
  • The evolving role of government policy in shaping industry strategy

“This year’s survey shows how regulatory shifts, supply chain strains, and AI advancements are reshaping the auto industry,” said Laura Baucus, Director of Dykema’s Automotive Industry Group. “Legal risks are evolving, and we hope these insights help companies stay ahead.”

Dykema’s 2025 Automotive Trends Report surveyed respondents on their top concerns across key areas. Key findings include:

  • Supply Chain Challenges: Increased tariffs are a major concern, with 71% of respondents citing them as the most impactful supply chain issue in the coming year.
  • Data Privacy and Cybersecurity: Adapting to new cybersecurity regulations and standards is a top priority, as indicated by 58% of those surveyed.
  • Intellectual Property: Ownership disputes over proprietary algorithms developed using AI technologies are expected to pose significant challenges, according to 69% of respondents.
  • Government Policy: A substantial 80% believe that increased tariffs will have the greatest impact on the industry, reflecting concerns over evolving trade policies.

The 2025 Automotive Trends Report provides an in-depth exploration of these findings, offering strategic guidance for industry stakeholders navigating the evolving automotive landscape.

To access the full report, please visit Dykema’s 2025 Automotive Trends Report.

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Photo of Laura C. Baucus Laura C. Baucus

Laura Baucus is a results-oriented litigator and business attorney with experience delivering consistent results to clients in the automotive, aerospace, manufacturing and financial services industries. Ms. Baucus has worked both as outside counsel and as seconded in-house counsel. She is the Director of…

Laura Baucus is a results-oriented litigator and business attorney with experience delivering consistent results to clients in the automotive, aerospace, manufacturing and financial services industries. Ms. Baucus has worked both as outside counsel and as seconded in-house counsel. She is the Director of Dykema’s 140+ attorney Automotive Industry Group, the immediate past Leader of the firm’s Financial Services Litigation Practice, a Leader in Dykema’s COVID-19 Task-Force, the originator of the firm’s Supply Chain Group, the Manager of a firm OEM client-service team, and the immediate past Manager of the firm’s largest Michigan office.

Ms. Baucus regularly counsels clients on force majeure and related contract performance options. Her litigation practice focuses on procurement and supply chain, recalls, warranty and cost recovery, contract termination, tooling recovery, Uniform Commercial Code issues, and financial services.  Her contract practice includes negotiating and drafting supply contracts and other commercial agreements for automotive and other manufacturing companies, including terms and conditions. Ms. Baucus also manages national portfolios of lawsuits for some of the nation’s largest residential mortgage servicers.