The global automotive industry is facing unprecedented challenges as it responds to the drive to decarbonise the transport sector to meet national and international emission reduction targets whilst navigating the economic, political and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. With these challenges, however, come new business opportunities: for example the development of new technologies facilitating industry-wide initiatives for connected and autonomous vehicles, ever more capable and efficient electric vehicles and mobility as a service platforms
The pace of such industry evolution combined with the ever-changing global regulatory landscape inevitably poses a number of unique legal issues straddling a wide number of areas of expertise in relation to which we can offer support.
We provide advice to clients around the globe and across the sector, from OEMs, component manufacturers, distributors and retailers to vehicle-leasers, rental and shared mobility providers and technology companies.
As a full service law firm we are able to support our automotive clients with all of their needs ranging from major transactions, disputes and financings to day-to-day regulatory, employment, IP, technology, product liability, data privacy and data security issues. We provide regular thought leadership to our clients in developing legal and regulatory areas, such as connected and autonomous vehicles and the development of national infrastructure to support electric vehicles.
Recent Experience
Tesla
In relation to preparing contracts of employment, election of employee representatives, disciplinary and termination procedures, day-to-day advisory work for general employment issues in France and Employment Tribunal litigation
Toyota Motor Corporation Australia
In a class action arising from Toyota and Lexus motor vehicles fitted with allegedly defective airbag inflators manufactured by Takata Corporation
Uber
On the US$3.7 billion combination of its assets in Russia and the CIS region with Yandex Taxi, and on its US$3.1 billion acquisition of Careem
Volvo Trucks (part of AB Volvo)
On a product liability and warranty recovery dispute against the manufacturer of defective engine parts
Insights and updates
