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
BP
On its acquisition of Chargemaster (now bp pulse) the UK's largest EV charging network, and on becoming a 33% shareholder in Digital Charging Solutions GmbH (DCS, trading under ChargeNow)
Inchcape
the leading independent multi-brand global automotive distributor on its £1.3 billion cash and shares business combination to acquire Derco, the largest independent automotive distributor in Latin America which partners with global OEMs such as Suzuki, Mazda, Renault, Changan, JAC, Great Wall and Haval across Chile, Peru, Colombia and Bolivia. HSF also advised on the £600 million of new acquisition financing comprising a bridge facility and a term loan
Iveco and Fiat Chrysler
As European coordinating competition litigation counsel in relation to follow-on damages claims stemming from the EU Commission's settlement decision in Trucks, the most high profile competition infringement and follow-on damages cases in Europe
Jaguar Land Rover
In relation to its Chinese joint venture established with Chery Automobile
Mitsubishi Corporation
On its acquisition of Intermark Auto, a leading operating lease and fleet management company in Russia
Tata Motors
On its US$2.3 billion acquisition of Land Rover and Jaguar from Ford
Insights and updates
