Pacific Strategies & Assessments’ Post

Volkswagen’s Dieselgate Trial: Accountability Long Overdue The trial of former Volkswagen chief over the Dieselgate scandal, nearly nine years after the scandal erupted, highlights a significant issue in holding corporate leaders accountable. Delayed justice not only impacts the credibility of regulatory processes but also undermines public trust in corporate governance. Swift and effective accountability is crucial in addressing corporate malfeasance and ensuring that such breaches of ethics and law are met with timely repercussions. #CorporateAccountability #Dieselgate #RegulatoryJustice #CorporateGovernance #EthicalLeadership

Are manufacturers required to make products that are safer and crime resistant? That appears to be why several cities, including Chicago, Baltimore, and Seattle, are suing car manufacturers? The allegations suggest car companies made their cars too easy to steal, purportedly fueling a wave of crime. However, it's crucial to consider the broader context. While not diminishing the role of the thieves themselves and the social media platforms that have allowed instructions on how to steal cars to proliferate, we must question: should manufacturers bear the weight of responsibility for these thefts? The automotive industry operates under stringent government regulations, including mandatory safety features. Companies have to make choices about what features to include based on many factors, including affordability. Companies could engineer products to be virtually crime-proof, but at what cost? Such enhancements would inevitably lead to higher prices, a burden ultimately shouldered by consumers. If the market resists these price increases and regulations don't mandate such features, should tort law be mandating their inclusion? Where does this potential expansion of tort law end? At what costs to consumers? #AutoIndustry #AutomotiveSafety #LegalInsights

Volkswagen Faces Pair of Lawsuits Over Claim Porsche EV Battery Sparked Ship Fire Carmaker sued by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., Allianz over 2022 incident at sea Suit claims fire originated from a Porsche AG lithium-ion battery The Felicity Ace met its fate near the Azores archipelago, with an onboard fire leading to the crew's evacuation and the eventual loss of 3,965 vehicles at sea. This mishap not only posed environmental concerns but also represented a significant financial blow to Volkswagen Group, with estimated losses surpassing $155 million. The focus on the lithium-ion battery of a Porsche model underlines ongoing concerns about the safety of electric vehicle components and their transportation. Implications and Potential Outcomes As Volkswagen confirms the lawsuits yet remains reticent on details, the automotive giant finds itself at a critical juncture. The outcomes of these legal proceedings could set precedents for how risks associated with electric vehicle batteries are managed and disclosed by manufacturers. Moreover, the mediation efforts in Braunschweig suggest a possible resolution outside the courtroom, though the path forward remains uncertain. The broader implications for the electric vehicle industry and its stakeholders are profound, as safety standards and liability considerations come under scrutiny. While the resolution of Volkswagen's legal challenges is still pending, the incident serves as a cautionary tale for the #automotive industry. The transition to electric vehicles, heralded for its environmental benefits, also brings to the fore the need for rigorous safety protocols and transparent communication. As manufacturers navigate these waters, the lessons learned from the Felicity Ace tragedy will likely influence future practices and regulations, ensuring such disasters are averted. #Battery #EV #Quality #Insurance #ElectricVehicles #Inspection

On September 6, Attorney General Michelle Henry announced an amendment to the Pennsylvania Automotive Industry Trade Practices regulations aimed at providing stronger protections for consumers when purchasing motor vehicles. Published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin in August, these updates bring significant changes to the vehicle purchasing process to enhance transparency and safety. Key updates in the amendment include: - Modernizing the definition of "advertisement" to encompass online statements and representations. - Requiring motor vehicle dealers to inspect each vehicle within 30 days of it entering their inventory for unsafe conditions. - Mandating a second inspection for vehicles that accumulate 500 or more miles on the dealer's lot before being sold. - Dealers must disclose in writing any unsafe conditions—such as flood damage or a bent frame—found during the inspection, even if the vehicle is sold "As Is." The amendment took effect on August 19, 2024, and is designed to improve consumer confidence and safety in the vehicle purchasing process. For more regulatory updates and insights, follow Global Regulatory Insights, unlock cutting-edge legal intelligence with a free subscription to our platform — join us today. Visit https://lnkd.in/gZmkUPim to know more. #ConsumerProtection #AutoIndustry #Pennsylvania #CarBuying #GRI

As California's car culture thrives, the importance of integrity in every transaction can’t be stressed enough. Considering the FTC’s introduction of the Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) rule, certain levels of transparency are now mandated. Not sure what this means or how this impacts your dealership? We do! We specialize in automotive law and can help you navigate these complicated regulations. #KolarAssociates #Kolar #KolarAndAssociates #AutomotiveLitigation #LawFirm #AutoLaw #AutoDealershipDefense #Dealership #CarDealer #AutoDealership

Safety should always be your top priority when it comes to vehicle recalls. Chrysler’s recall, affecting over 1.26 million cars, highlights the importance of addressing defects immediately. Defects such as steering or braking issues can present serious hazards, and addressing them quickly is essential. California’s lemon law protects vehicles that continue to malfunction after repairs. Lemon law cases often involve cars suffering repeated defects, diminishing their safety and reliability. Our lemon law attorney is well-versed in helping clients navigate these claims, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. If your Chrysler model is part of this recall, it’s critical to be aware of potential safety risks. These can range from electrical malfunctions to defective brakes, which could lead to dangerous situations on the road. Chrysler has initiated this recall to prevent such risks, but if your vehicle is still problematic after repairs, it could be classified as a lemon. Chrysler’s recall affects over 1.26 million vehicles, and owners must act. If you experience unresolved issues with your car after repairs, you might have a lemon law case. Contact us today at (619) 235-0137 to discuss your options and ensure your vehicle is safe and compliant with California’s lemon law. #Chrysler #ChryslerRecall #lemonlaw #premierlegalapc

If heavy vehicles are a part of your business chain, this webinar is a must-see. Australia’s new regulations are coming and set to shake up the Australian heavy vehicle landscape and shape future legislation in New Zealand too. Don't guess—get expert insights from Peter Hudson and Charles Dawson. They’ll break it all down and show you how to lead safety efforts like a pro. https://hubs.li/Q02NKQSQ0

Last week, Arizona sued FCA (car maker) and Cummins (engine manufacturer) for allegedly installing emissions defeat devices in certain vehicles. This marks the third such action against the #automobileindustry, all with a twist: Arizona retained outside counsel. Curious how this changes the game? Message me to discuss! #AutomobileIndustry #StateAG20

Pushing back on a “‘California knows best’ economic philosophy," Boyden Gray PLLC has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce and Associated Equipment Distributors challenging an illegal California rule that seeks to ban heavy-duty internal-combustion trucks and vans. The California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) “Advanced Clean Fleets” (ACF) plan orders disfavored fleets with vehicles that cross into California or service the state’s ports and railyards to discard their internal-combustion vehicles and buy expensive, heavy, and low-range trucks that use batteries instead. Through ACF, CARB is effectively requiring many out-of-state fleet owners and operators to replace their working internal-combustion vehicles with some 570,000 alternative powertrain trucks by 2045 (and by 2035 for drayage fleets), up from virtually zero today. The lawsuit contends: “That transition won’t happen on the vast scale imagined by CARB. But the scramble to comply with a plan that defies the laws of physics, chemistry, and economics will be remarkably destructive.”  https://lnkd.in/ebcpdewU

Six months after releasing our 2024 Automotive Trends Report, we look at which of our legal trends continue driving the industry forward... and which ones might be in the rearview mirror. How will the latest federal regulations impact corporate compliance protocols? Mark Chutkow, Jennifer Beidel, JAY LOGEL, and Chantel Febus share their outlook. #AutoLaw #AutoIndustry #RegulatoryCompliance