ICYMI: Chinese vehicle ban bill stalls in Senate; sponsors seek passage next week. NADA urges Congress to reject the REPAIR Act, which expands repair data access. GM Defense won a $697.7 million contract modification for Infantry Squad Vehicle Utility upgrades. Stellantis will bar dealers from advertising below a minimum price starting Oct. 1. Honda is preparing a hybrid plant in Ohio costing up to $2.5 billion.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
Chinese vehicle ban faces Senate delay as sponsors seek final support
During Thursday’s Senate hearing, Senators Slotkin and Moreno worked to advance their bill through unanimous consent, but fell short when Kentucky Senator Rand Paul objected. Now the pair plan to work throughout the weekend to gather more support and aim for passage next week. The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026, seeks to restrict connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to China. Read More
NADA fights to stop REPAIR Act
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) is urging Congress to reject a bill that would require automakers to give independent repair shops and vehicle owners the same access to diagnostic data, repair tools and technical information that dealerships already have, according to a letter NADA sent to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act, known as the REPAIR Act, is bipartisan legislation introduced as H.R. 1566 in the House and S. 1379 in the Senate, with more than 42 cosponsors between the two chambers. Read More
GM Defense lands $697.7 million contract modification for military vehicles
GM Defense has received a $697.7 million modification to its military vehicle contract, increasing its total government contract value to over $915 million and funding engineering upgrades to its Infantry Squad Vehicle Utility variant. The Department of War has modified its contract with GM Defense to fund engineering changes for the Infantry Squad Vehicle Utility variant and its accompanying winch kit. Read More
Stellantis moves to minimum advertised pricing policy, effective Oct. 1
Earlier this week, Stellantis announced a new policy that will bar dealers from advertising vehicles below a set minimum price. The policy takes effect Oct. 1 for new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles, as part of the new Stellantis Marketing Covenant, according to dealer marketing firm Dealer Authority. The minimum applies to the advertised price and does not set the final transaction price. Read More
Honda plans up to $2.5 billion hybrid plant as Ohio emerges as front-runner
According to a Nikkei Asia report, Honda is in the final stages of preparing a new hybrid assembly plant in Ohio, where production would begin in 2030 if negotiations with state authorities conclude. The investment could reach 300 billion to 400 billion yen (roughly $1.9 billion to $2.5 billion). Read More
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