EU proposes revision to car CO2 standards
The European Commission has proposed revisions to EU car CO2 rules, replacing the 2035 zero‑emission mandate with a 90% target and introducing averaging, credits and fuel allowances, which have increased projected emissions and reduced expected BEV market shares.
ABAX publishes 2026 UK business mileage tax guide
ABAX has published a 2026 guide to UK business mileage tax that has explained HMRC recordkeeping and benefit-in-kind rules, has identified common compliance risks, and has provided checklists and guidance on automated mileage reporting for fleet and finance teams.
Austroads publishes nine technical specifications
Austroads has published nine technical specifications to standardise construction and maintenance of road and transport infrastructure, covering earthworks, stormwater, traffic facilities and safety barriers.
Teltonika TachoSync integration with 3Dtracking
3Dtracking has integrated Teltonika’s TachoSync to enable remote tachograph downloads, aiding fleets operating across EU borders to meet upcoming July 2026 regulatory requirements.
2025 Urban Mobility: Policy and Technology Review
A year-end review of 2025 urban mobility policy, funding and technological shifts affecting public transport, active travel, electrification, congestion charging, autonomy and rail reform.
FCC proposes high‑power 6 GHz GVP device rules
The FCC will vote on rules to create geofenced variable‑power devices for high‑power 6 GHz unlicensed use, enabling outdoor Wi‑Fi and IoT while using geographic protections and seeking public comment.
ASA bans Vodafone 'The Nation's Network' adverts
The Advertising Standards Authority banned Vodafone's 'The Nation's Network' campaign after finding the slogan could imply unproven comparative network superiority; Vodafone was instructed to substantiate any comparative claims.
EU 2026 compliance changes for cross-border fleets
New EU rules from 2026 introduce AEB and EDR mandates, smart tachographs for vans, tightened ADR and eFTI requirements, and expanded CO₂ tolls and low‑emission zones affecting cross‑border fleets.
US trucking and transport regulatory developments
Federal agencies and Congress advanced multiple trucking and maritime measures on driver licensing, broker oversight, safety technology, cargo-theft countermeasures and infrastructure funding, with compliance and industry impacts under review.
EU to expand carbon border tax to cars and auto parts
EU plans to extend the carbon border adjustment mechanism to cars and auto parts, fully implemented in 2026 with expansion proposed from 2028; China warned of higher default emissions values.
California advances draft rules for driverless heavy trucks
California's DMV advanced draft regulations propose phased permits for driverless heavy trucks, requiring 500,000 driverless and 1,000,000 cumulative miles before commercial deployment; testing permits may arrive by late 2026.
China urges more recycled materials in auto manufacturing
Plan seeks expanded recycled-material supply, standards and adoption across vehicle production, batteries and recycling chains to improve material recovery and reduce reliance on primary raw inputs.
China mandates no fire, no explosion EV battery safety
China finalised 294 national standards, making EV power-battery no-fire, no-explosion safety requirements mandatory; GB 38031-2025 takes effect 1 July 2026 with transition to 2027.
Delhi finalises electric vehicle policy framework
Delhi's government finalised an EV policy to expand incentives, charging infrastructure and fleet electrification, aiming to increase EV uptake and reduce urban air pollution; draft subject to stakeholder consultation.
China requires after-sales confirmation for car exports
From 1 January 2026 China will require manufacturer-issued after-sales confirmation for vehicles exported within 180 days of registration, raising compliance thresholds for zero-kilometre used-car exports.
US House introduces ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act
The US House introduced the ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act requiring NHTSA to set ADAS calibration standards and test procedures for post-modification vehicles, initially applying to model year 2028.
China drafts mechanical door-handle safety standard
China’s ministry has opened consultation on draft standards requiring mechanically operable door handles after collisions or EV battery incidents, specifying technical requirements, tests and phased implementation timelines.
EU revises automotive CO2 rules and support measures
The European Commission proposed an Automotive Package revising CO2 standards, introducing compliance flexibilities, corporate fleet targets, battery funding and regulatory simplification to support industrial resilience and decarbonisation.
China issues trade‑in financing guidance for automakers
Chinese authorities issued trade‑in financing guidance enabling reduced penalties for early loan repayment; automakers and lenders are directed to enhance credit access, compliance and co‑ordination to support vehicle upgrades.
EU proposes easing 2035 combustion-engine ban
The European Commission proposed replacing the 2035 zero-emissions requirement with a 90% CO2 reduction, permitting limited non-electric sales contingent on offsets and approval by member states and Parliament.
EU provisional agreement on end-of-life vehicle regulation
EU negotiators reached a provisional agreement on a harmonised end-of-life vehicles regulation to improve recycling, set recycled-plastics targets and strengthen domestic material supply chains.
NHTSA modernises safety standards for automated vehicles
NHTSA published final research on adapting 81 FMVSS to accommodate automated driving systems, soliciting public comment to inform rulemaking and facilitate safe deployment of ADS-equipped vehicles.
Chinese automakers respond to new auto pricing guidelines
SAMR's draft pricing guidelines prompt Chinese automakers to strengthen compliance, standardise pricing and enhance oversight, potentially increasing transparency while raising costs for smaller firms.
Courts order content removal and damages for BYD, GWM, Xpeng
Chinese civil courts ordered online creators to delete defamatory content, issue apologies and pay damages to BYD, Great Wall Motor and Xpeng amid regulatory scrutiny of automotive misinformation.
UK proposes leaseholder rights to speed fibre rollout
Government consultation proposes implied leaseholder right to request gigabit connections and a duty on freeholders not to unreasonably refuse, targeting flats and supporting broadband deployment; consultation runs until February 2026.
UK consultation on automated vehicle regulatory framework
Government opens consultation to shape secondary legislation and oversight for approval, operation and data access of automated vehicles under the Automated Vehicles Act 2024.
UK proposes national minimum standards for taxi licensing
The Department for Transport proposes national minimum standards for taxi and private hire licensing, centralising powers and consulting on reducing local licensing authorities from 263 to 70 to improve safety.
EU ministers agree increased weight allowance for clean trucks
EU government ministers approved a Council position raising weight allowances for some electric and hydrogen articulated trucks from 2 to 4 tonnes, enabling trilogue negotiations on weights and dimensions rules.
China allows full steer-by-wire in national standard
China’s national steering standard, effective 1 July 2026, permits full steer‑by‑wire, removes mechanical linkage mandates and sets safety, redundancy and verification requirements aligned with UN R79 and ISO 26262.
EU to propose revising 2035 combustion-engine ban
European Commission will propose revising the 2035 new-car combustion ban to consider e-fuels and other technologies; proposals will alter vehicle CO2 rules and require approval by member states and Parliament.
National TAO prequalification scheme proposed for rail
Transport for NSW and the Australasian Railway Association to develop a nationally harmonised TAO prequalification scheme to reduce cross-jurisdictional duplication and streamline rail project approvals.
EU modernises driving licence and disqualification rules
EU rules introduce digital licences, mutual recognition of disqualifications, accompanied and probationary schemes, and updated tests to harmonise licensing, improve road safety and reduce administrative burdens across Member States.
Court Hears Xiaomi Case Over SU7 Ultra Optional Hood
Nanjing court heard claims Xiaomi misled buyers over an optional SU7 Ultra hood; company presented technical evidence while a separate Suzhou ruling awarded damages in a related case.
Roads Australia to rebrand as Transport Australia
Roads Australia will rename itself Transport Australia after an AGM vote, signalling an expanded integrated-transport focus; two executives were elected to the board and member voting exceeded 60%.
Bill amendment allows mandated EV charging accessibility
The government amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill allows ministers to mandate accessibility standards, require PAS 1899 compliance and impose reporting and installation obligations for new public EV chargers.
EU proposes regulation to establish military mobility area
European Commission advances a military mobility package to create an EU-wide movement area by 2027, proposing harmonised rules, an emergency response system, infrastructure upgrades and governance measures for legislative approval.
Netherlands suspends intervention in Nexperia
The Dutch government suspended its intervention in Chinese-owned Nexperia after talks with Chinese authorities, allowing exports to resume and easing concerns over automotive chip supply.
Supreme Court orders review of India's 2020 EV policy
India's Supreme Court directed a review of the 2020 National Electric Mobility Mission Plan, requiring updated policy, city pilot rollouts and a four‑week roadmap on infrastructure, incentives and fleet electrification.
China clarifies draft vehicle start-up acceleration rule
China’s draft vehicle safety standard clarifies default start‑up torque limits do not bar sub‑5s 0–100 km/h performance, and proposes safety measures for new‑energy vehicles; the draft is in consultation.
Procurement Policy 2026 to promote sustainable construction
Cement, concrete and aggregates industry welcomes Queensland's Procurement Policy 2026 as a mechanism to incentivise low‑carbon materials, recycling, standards reform and supply‑chain resilience.
China drafts vehicle safety rules with acceleration limit
China’s draft vehicle safety standard proposes a default 0–100 km/h acceleration minimum of five seconds and introduces EV battery, restraint, driver verification, and door and window safety requirements.
EU Agrees New Rules to Standardise Transport Emissions Calculations
The EU has reached a political agreement on the CountEmissionsEU regulation, establishing a standardised framework for calculating transport emissions to support climate targets and informed decisions.
European Parliament Approves Toll Exemptions for Zero-Emission Vehicles
The European Parliament has approved an extended deadline allowing member states to exempt zero-emission trucks and buses from CO2-based road charges, aiming to support climate-neutral road transport.
EU Commission Proposes Amendments to Eurovignette Toll Directive
The European Commission has proposed amendments to Directive 1999/62/EC, enhancing clarity and integrating CO2-based toll adjustments to support environmental and legal objectives.
Issues Surrounding Vehicle Headlamp Brightness and Road Safety
A report examines increasing vehicle headlamp brightness and related safety concerns, highlighting legal inconsistencies and enforcement challenges across US states and implications for law enforcement.
UK Bus Services Act Grants Local Authorities Greater Control
The Bus Services Act grants UK local authorities enhanced powers to franchise bus routes, regulate timetables, and designate socially necessary services, aiming to improve service reliability and passenger safety.
Compliance Challenges and Strategic Importance in UK Fleet Management
UK fleet management faces increasing regulatory demands, including DVSA, DVS, GDPR, and forthcoming Smart Tachograph 2 requirements, making compliance central to risk management and business strategy.
