GM and several other major automakers have publicly criticized the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), accusing the agency of inaction in the face of rapid technological innovation, as well as failure to align with consumer demand.
The criticism was delivered through the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a Washington, D.C.-based lobby group that counts GM, Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Honda, and several other major OEMs among its members.
In prepared remarks delivered during a recent U.S. House of Representatives hearing, Alliance CEO John Bozzella described NHTSA’s regulatory structure as outdated and unresponsive, saying that its “decades-old safety regulations and lack of a clear strategic roadmap for emerging technologies” were “threatening U.S. global leadership,” per a report from Reuters. Bozzella urged lawmakers to push for broad regulatory reform, including the repeal or modernization of numerous safety rules.
Among the concerns are new fuel economy standards set to take effect in 2027, which automakers argue are too aggressive under current market conditions, as well as the lack of a clear regulatory framework for the mass adoption of autonomous vehicles.
Back in April, the NHTSA launched the Automated Vehicle Framework, or AV Framework, providing looser regulations on autonomous vehicle technology. The new framework is intended to “prevent a harmful patchwork of state laws and regulations” and “blaze a path for the safe commercial deployment of AVs.”
Meanwhile, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) echoed some of the Alliance concerns, with IIHS President David Harkey citing flawed research practices and leadership gaps.
“NHTSA is failing to meet the moment,” Harkey said. “In recent years, it has approached its job with a lack of urgency, using flawed methodologies that underestimate the safety benefits of obviously beneficial interventions.”
Although U.S. traffic fatalities fell modestly in 2024, they remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, with 39,345 deaths reported in 2024, up from 36,355 deaths reported in 2019.
Comments
Same pablum they have been repeating since the late ‘60s when it was established. Lee Iacocca came out against air bags and said they would bankrupt everyone. Meanwhile we have many fabulous cars and trucks. Funny how that happened with NHTSA always in the picture. Anyone in favor of being involved in a wreck with a ‘50s Chevy with no seat belts and a spear steering wheel?
I’m not sure that the manufacturers are saying that they want to do away with standards. They just want the standards to be more relevant than the ones in place now. From their perspective it appears that the agency is lagging instead of leading.
Not to mention over regulation costing consumers a butt load of money in the price of vehicles.
That is what the manufacturers seem to desire, forced bloat and higher prices.
Our President Donald Trump should replace the head of this outdated bureaucracy and streamline the regulations and eliminate the fuel economy standards and the tailpipe emissions! The feds have completely ruined the American auto manufacturers!
Vega, Pinto, Chevette, Astre, Ventura/GTO, diesel Olds, V864, Edsel, multiple GM knock of Caravans. They did it to themselves. Meanwhile, the Accord and Camry took over. Facts are facts.
Except for EVs, there shouldn’t be safety regulations anymore. All cars have airbags, seat belts, ABS and crush zones. They are safe enough. Learn to drive!