Spring brings renewed momentum for the automotive industry as companies respond to shifting market conditions, regulatory changes, and continued innovation. In this Spring Edition of At the Wheel: An Automotive Roundup, Dykema’s Automotive, Mobility & Transportation (AMT) Group highlights recent thought leadership and looks ahead to upcoming events, including our signature Automotive Summit in August.

Now Available: 2026 Automotive Trends Report

Dykema’s fourth annual Automotive Trends Report is now available, offering legal insights informed by a survey of OEMs, suppliers, and other key industry stakeholders. The report examines trends across ten critical areas, including Supply Chain, Cybersecurity and Data Privacy, and Artificial Intelligence.

Explore the full 2026 Automotive Trends Report.

Looking for a quick primer on the 2026 Automotive Trends Report? In “Signals Shaping U.S. Automotive Legal Priorities,” a recent interview with GlobalAutoIndustry.com, Laura Baucus, Director of Dykema’s Automotive, Mobility and Transportation Group, shares key takeaways drawn from this year’s report, including:

  • Where legal risk is accelerating across the industry
  • The top concerns facing OEMs and suppliers
  • How AI and advanced mobility are reshaping the legal landscape

Listen to the full interview.

Dykema Drives Auto Webinar, Session #1: What to Do When the Government Comes Knocking: Guidance for Automotive Companies (March 24, 2026)

Speakers Jennifer Beidel, Mark Chutkow, and Sarah Douglas discussed how automotive companies can respond when government investigators arrive. The webinar outlined key differences between criminal search warrants, administrative ICE warrants, and warrantless visits, and provided practical guidance for OEMs, suppliers, and other industry participants.

To view a recording of this session and explore past Dykema Drives webinars, visit our full YouTube playlist.

Dykema Litigation Institute, Session #2 – 2026 Tariff Turbulence: IEEPA Tariffs, Supreme Court Fallout & Refund Strategies (March 26, 2026)

Speakers Joanne Zimolzak, John Rhoades, and Tina Toma discussed the rapidly evolving U.S. tariff landscape following the Supreme Court’s decision invalidating certain IEEPA tariffs. The webinar covered ongoing refund litigation before the Court of International Trade, key considerations for impacted companies, and practical steps to preserve claims and manage risk amid continued uncertainty.

What’s Ahead

We have an active lineup in the months ahead, with team members participating in key industry events across the country. We look forward to connecting and contributing to conversations shaping the industry. You’ll find us at the events below, with several of our attorneys featured as speakers:

  • ABA TIPS Motor Vehicle Product Liability Conference | April 15–17 | Scottsdale, AZ
    Speakers: Tamara Bush, Michael Carey, Lyndsey Jackson, Cassandra Nelson
  • IAM Live: Auto IP USA | April 16 | Detroit, MI
  • USPTO China IP Road Show | April 16 | Alexandra, VA
    Speaker: Tom Moga
  • 13th Annual Automotive Recalls Summit | April 28 | Royal Oak, MI
    Speakers: Mark Chutkow, Jay Logel
  • International Design Patent Protection: Developing a Global IP Strategy | April 30 | Live Webinar
    Speaker: Tom Moga
  • ACC Wisconsin Annual Chapter Conference & Meeting of Members | May 14-15 | Elkhart Lake, WI
    Speaker: Matthew Hayes

If you’re attending any of these events, we’d welcome a connection.

Dykema Drives Auto Webinar, Session #2 – Advanced Mobility: Shifting Risks, Evolving Rules on May 7, 2026. Register here.

As advanced mobility technologies such as ADAS, autonomous vehicles, and EVs continue to expand, legal and regulatory pressures are increasing. In this session, speakers Clay Cossé and Jay Logel will discuss emerging product liability and consumer claims, as well as evolving regulatory developments, including at NHTSA.

Dykema Drives Annual Automotive Legal Summit | August 13 | M1 Concourse

Registration is now open. 

Dykema’s Annual Automotive Legal Summit returns to M1 Concourse on August 13. This year’s program features a streamlined, high-impact format with fast-paced sessions, practical takeaways, and valuable networking opportunities.

We’ll kick things off with lunch and carry the momentum into the evening, culminating in high-speed track experiences. Designed for in-house legal and corporate professionals, the program will offer CLE credit and deliver an engaging day at the intersection of law and the automotive industry.

Register here.

Sign Up and Stay in the Know

Print:
Email this postTweet this postLike this postShare this post on LinkedIn
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.

Read more about Laura C. Baucus
Show more Show less
Photo of Michael R. Carey Michael R. Carey

Michael Carey is trial lawyer with experience in complex commercial litigation and products liability defense. With his creative and authentic approach to jury presentation, Mr. Carey has taken numerous cases to successful verdict in state and federal courts across the country. In addition…

Michael Carey is trial lawyer with experience in complex commercial litigation and products liability defense. With his creative and authentic approach to jury presentation, Mr. Carey has taken numerous cases to successful verdict in state and federal courts across the country. In addition to his trial work, Mr. Carey has defended and prosecuted appeals before the Minnesota Appellate Courts and the Eighth and Ninth Circuits.

In addition to his trial and appellate practice, Mr. Carey serves as co-leader of the Firm’s Mobility and Advanced Transportation Team. He counsels mobility industry clients on proactive risk mitigation strategies relating to Automated Driving Systems (ADS) and other advanced automotive safety technologies. He is also frequently called on to publish and present on legal issues and advances in this emerging field.

Read more about Michael R. Carey
Show more Show less
Related Posts
At the Wheel: Winter Edition
February 5, 2026
At the Wheel: Fall Edition
November 4, 2025
At the Wheel: Summer Edition
August 7, 2025