Automotive Industry Criticizes NHTSA for Hindering Innovation

According to foreign media reports, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing major automakers such as General Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Hyundai, has sharply criticized the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for hindering industry progress and failing to modernize. In written testimony submitted to a U.S. House hearing, CEO John Bozzella pointed out that the tense relationship between NHTSA and the automotive industry, outdated safety regulations, and a lack of clear strategic planning for emerging technologies are stifling innovation and threatening America's global leadership in automotive technology. He called for significant reforms within the agency and listed dozens of regulatory standards that should be abolished, revised, or updated. As of now, NHTSA has not responded to requests for comments regarding these reports. Bozzella reiterated industry demands, including the repeal of automatic emergency braking rules and the simplification of the deployment process for autonomous vehicles. He stated, "Unfortunately, the inaction of federal regulatory agencies is holding the industry back. Despite years of discussions, a comprehensive federal framework for autonomous vehicles has yet to be established." He also urged NHTSA to relax fuel economy requirements starting in 2027, claiming that these regulations are "out of touch with consumer demands and the current rate of technology adoption." Despite a 3.8% decrease in traffic fatalities in the U.S. in 2024, bringing the total to 39,345, the number remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, which stood at 36,355 in 2019. Furthermore, even under congressional direction, NHTSA has repeatedly failed to establish regulations and has lacked a Senate-confirmed leader for years. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), funded by the industry to promote the production of safer vehicles, will express to Congress that NHTSA must take more action. IIHS President David Harkey stated in his testimony, "NHTSA has failed to keep pace with the times. In recent years, its work has lacked urgency, using flawed assessment methods and underestimating the safety benefits of several obviously beneficial interventions. The agency needs stronger leadership, a sense of urgency, and a more proactive willingness to act." One example is that despite IIHS calling for mandatory anti-lock braking systems (ABS) for motorcycles since 2013, NHTSA has still rejected this request. According to IIHS data, the fatal accident rate for motorcycles equipped with optional ABS is 22% lower than that of similar models without the system.