Automotive and Mobility

Today, the global automotive industry is experiencing revolutionary change as significant megatrends and undreamed of innovations redefine the rules for future success. The speed and magnitude of this transformation have forced companies to rethink product development processes, investments, partnerships, and technology.

In the midst of this radical change, a global pandemic COVID-19 has sparked the unprecedented collapse of the global economy in the matter of a few weeks. For the automotive industry, the impact has been severe along all points of the supply chain from raw materials to the sale of finished vehicles. Manufacturing and assembly have been shut down across the globe, and only now are we seeing the early signs of restarting the industry. It is too early to tell even the short term impact of the effects of this pandemic, with suppliers and OEMs literally taking things one day at a time. No doubt, as we have witnessed over the decades, the automotive industry, as well as our communities, will overcome the challenges we are facing today and grow stronger.

Within the current environment, new trade and regulatory agreements are being implemented such as the U.S.-Canada-Mexico Trade Agreement (USMCA). The effect is driving potential revisions of the global supply chain including creating strategic redundancies and “reshoring.” New ways of structuring operations and the importance of alliances and combinations are all being closely evaluated.

These immediate challenges have not eliminated the upcoming trends that have gained significant momentum. As advancements such as Autonomous Vehicles, Electrification, and Mobility as a Service (MAAS) evolve and interact, the result will be a reorganization of the manufacturing value chain impacting design, assembly operations, suppliers, retailing, financing, and public and private infrastructure.

Our Team

The automotive team at Dickinson Wright has stood at the forefront of anticipating and addressing many of these changes, expanding our focus from traditional automotive companies to a broader perspective of advanced technology, personal transportation, and mobility. Our lawyers draw upon deep reserves of experience and skills, many forged during the depths of the financial crisis a little over a decade ago. Our core automotive industry practice has built a foundation of leadership, bringing over a century of practical and actionable advice and vigorous advocacy to the companies in the industry that have become the leaders in both the OEM space and the global supply chain. The fusion of our industry experience with the vision and creativity gained from working with technology disrupters provides unique value to our clients as the automotive industry reinvents and redefines itself.

Our Firm

Since our founding in Detroit in 1878, we have operated at the center of the North American automotive industry. Today, with offices strategically located across North American in key automotive corridors spanning from Detroit to Ontario, Ohio to Washington D.C. , and Tennessee to the Silicon Valley, we work with both traditional power players from around the world and technology innovators that are advancing change and spurring significant industry developments.

Our Services

Distinguished by our dedication to superior client service, we are committed to providing practical and actionable advice along with cost-effective delivery of services by applying our deep industry knowledge and leveraging advanced technology and communication strategies. Our work includes: