The Ever-Changing World of Cars: Legal Insights for the Automotive Sector

3 min read

In today’s rapidly changing environment, the automotive industry is experiencing a shift towards electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and innovative software applications. With these changes come significant opportunities, as well as a new set of complex challenges. This is where Freshfields plays a pivotal role.

Freshfields is committed to delivering a comprehensive global service to clients in the automotive sector, uniting legal expertise with market insights and trends. Our team of lawyers provides a broad spectrum of services, including corporate, commercial, IP, ESG, antitrust, foreign investment, venture capital, disputes, traditional and green bond financings, and regulatory guidance. We operate seamlessly across the globe, ensuring clients receive integrated and strategic advice for their most critical matters.

We take great pride in being entrusted by over half of the world’s top 100 car manufacturers, established market players, and emerging companies. Our expertise encompasses an extensive range of legal practices relevant to the automotive industry globally. This includes M&A, corporate advisory, regulatory compliance, intellectual property rights, supply chain management, product liability, antitrust and foreign investment matters, financings, regulatory advice, tax matters, and dispute resolution.

One of our recent successes involves advising the Volkswagen Group on multiple transactions and digital transformation projects, including their investments in and joint ventures with QuantumScape, a US company specialising in solid-state battery technology, and the acquisition of Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Holdings in China’s electric vehicle sector. We have also played a crucial role in setting up their automotive cloud, as well as cooperation related to autonomous driving. These are just a few examples of the projects we undertake for our clients.

Furthermore, we have been active in advising Porsche Automobil Holding SE on significant acquisitions and IPOs, as well as assisting Aston Martin Lagonda in forming strategic supply agreements with global leaders in electric powertrains and battery systems.

In the realm of disputes and regulatory proceedings, we have represented several OEMs and OEM suppliers, handling a number of individual and collective legal matters. Our clients include well-known names such as Audi, Volvo/Renault Trucks, Tesla, and Renault Group, among others.

Our team of experts comprises individuals who possess extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive industry. With partners based in various parts of the world, including Washington, DC, Tokyo, London, and Düsseldorf, we offer comprehensive and strategic advice from a global perspective.

At Freshfields, we recognise that long-term success in the automotive industry is not only about developing innovative technology, but also navigating complex and ever-changing legislative landscapes. This is why our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of service, combining legal expertise with practical insights and a deep understanding of the automotive sector.

If you are seeking a reliable and experienced legal partner to guide you through the complex world of automotive law, Freshfields is the ideal choice. For more information, you can view our full team on our website.

Heather Lamberg – Partner, Washington, DC
Takeshi Nakao – Partner, Tokyo
James Roberts – Partner, London
Dr. Stephan Waldhausen – Partner, Düsseldorf

+ There are no comments

Add yours