The automotive industry is in a state of constant change, but recent innovations in technology and business models have made it more important than ever for companies to stay nimble and adapt to changing forces across the industry. Polsinelli’s attorneys have a comprehensive understanding of the automotive industry and have worked with its major players for decades. 

We represent OEMs, rental car companies, truck and motorcycle rental companies, car sharing companies and automobile dealerships as well as companies pursuing new and emerging business models for the use of vehicles. Our clients hail from every level of the automotive supply chain, and they call upon us to serve as business partners as they evaluate innovative programs to help them maintain a competitive advantage.

With particular depth in the area of mobility and vehicle use, examples of our work in this industry include:

• Representation of major automotive manufacturers in development of programs related to car-sharing
• Negotiations with airports to allow parking and drop-off privileges for car-sharing programs
• Litigation involving negligent entrustment claims
• Representation in franchise litigation and contract issues
• Representation of multi-platform businesses
• Products liability litigation
• Defense of allegations of fraud and warranty breaches
• Defense of consumer class actions
• Regulatory and statutory compliance counseling
• Employment counseling and litigation
• Patent and trademark counseling, prosecution and litigation
• Corporate development, including acquisitions/divestitures and import/export

The evolving nature of the automotive industry creates constant challenges for companies in a diversity of areas. Innovative new models for mobility raise interesting questions in the areas of labor and employment (including independent contractor/employer/co-employer issues), privacy and data security, complicated tax issues and insurance liability. We bring to each representation both a global understanding of the automotive industry as a whole and of the unique legal issues involved in each use model. We use this critical knowledge to partner with clients to protect existing programming and develop future innovations.