Automotive
The automotive industry is undergoing profound transformation. Electrification, digital integration, regulatory pressure and evolving consumer expectations are reshaping how vehicles are designed, financed and brought to market.
For manufacturers and auto-financiers, this shift brings both opportunity and complexity — from vehicle safety and compliance obligations, to ESG scrutiny, data governance and structural changes in credit and leasing models.
We provide clear, commercially grounded advice to help clients manage this transformation with confidence. Whether you’re an OEM or a financier, we bring deep product and regulatory expertise, cross-practice coordination and a track record of supporting strategic change across the sector.
Over the past decade, we’ve supported many of the established market participants as well as new and emerging players. In addition, being pivotal in building four of the five leading auto-finance platforms in Australia.
How we can help
We work with major automotive manufacturers and financiers to help them manage risk, adapt to change and capture new commercial opportunities. Our experience spans the full automotive lifecycle — from product development to finance, regulation, disputes and policy engagement.
- Disputes and litigation – advising on product liability class actions and enforcement risk across complex vehicle and financial product claims.
- Regulatory, product and compliance – preparing for and responding to increased regulatory scrutiny, including greenwashing, ACCC investigations and product recalls.
- Data, IP and cybersecurity – supporting the commercialisation of connected vehicle platforms, data governance, privacy obligations and cyber risk, particularly as digital services and in-vehicle connectivity expand.
- Banking and financial services regulation – providing end-to-end advice on licence applications, consumer documentation, funding structures, distribution channels, manufacturing and servicing agreements, and tax/GST. Our team is at the forefront of evolving issues attracting ASIC attention, including breach reporting, vulnerable customers, and marketing compliance.
- AML/CTF compliance – advising on all aspects of financial crime risk for auto financiers, including transaction monitoring programs, enhanced due diligence, and senior management oversight. We have the largest and most experienced AML/CTF practice in Australia.
- Electrification and finance – advising on the transition to electric vehicles, battery supply chain investment, and the structuring and funding of finance platforms, fleet leasing and subscription models. We are regularly sought out by captive and non-captive financiers on matters such as credit licensing, dealer arrangements, customer hardship and the future of the POS exemption.
Deep sector insight
We are embedded in the automotive sector. Over the past decade, we’ve supported many of the major players — including Ford, Nissan, Stellantis and Hyundai — as well as building four of the five leading auto-finance platforms in Australia. Our work spans the full product and ownership lifecycle, giving us an unrivalled view of the issues shaping this industry. We also work closely with Linklaters’ global automotive team to provide market intelligence and benchmarking across jurisdictions.
Integrated legal expertise
Our strength lies in seamlessly combining market-leading teams across disputes, product liability, regulatory compliance, ESG, AML, consumer law and financial services. This depth means we offer more than legal advice — we bring integrated, commercially relevant solutions to complex challenges.
Proactive risk management
Automotive businesses today face heightened risk: from safety and defect litigation, to ACCC investigations, greenwashing scrutiny, AML reform and evolving credit regulation. We help clients anticipate these risks, implement practical governance, and prepare for litigation or regulatory challenge if needed.
Ready for what's next
We’re advising today on the issues that will define the future of the automotive sector: connected vehicles, privacy reform, data and IP strategy, electric vehicle financing, and increasing regulatory scrutiny. Whether you're an OEM or a captive or non-captive financier, we bring the legal foresight and strategic clarity to support your next move.
Featured Insights
Class action risk 2025
The recent decline in class action filings might suggest a corresponding decrease in risk. However, class action risk is far from subsiding. The reality is that class action lawsuits remain a significant and ongoing risk for all businesses operating in Australia.
Emerging business risks in 2025
We are in the midst of rapid technological advancements, shifting regulatory and political landscapes, evolving social expectations and visible impacts of climate change. In this context, Australian companies and their directors and officers are navigating an increasingly complex, inter-connected and unpredictable risk environment.
Regulatory enforcement trends
The future trajectory of regulatory enforcement in Australia signals a rigorous continuation of last year’s priorities while adapting to new challenges on the horizon.
Experience
Defending Ford in power shift transmission class action
Defending Ford in a major consumer class action brought on behalf of 70,000 group members, raising allegations about defects in the power shift transmission in certain Ford vehicles.
Acting for Nissan in relation to Takata airbags
Defending Nissan in the high profile class action proceedings relating to alleged safety issues with Takata airbags. This case was conducted in parallel with a nationwide mandatory recall and class actions in other countries.
Product recalls and mandatory reporting
We advise clients including Ford, DaimlerChrysler, Toyota, and Porsche on product recalls and mandatory reporting obligations. We can help develop a product recall policy, advise on whether a report or recall is necessary and engage with the regulators.
Compliance with product standards
Our team assists clients to identify and comply with Australian standards, and to develop related compliance frameworks. We are experienced in engaging with the ACCC and state and territory regulators about the application of product standards.
Cerberus Capital Management and Angle Auto Finance
Led on the acquisition of Westpac's motor vehicle finance business and setting up all aspects of 'Angle Auto Finance' – one of Australia's largest retail, commercial, wholesale and novated leasing vehicle financiers.
Confidential client – Captive auto finance set-up
Advised on the establishment of a new captive auto-finance business in Australia, including credit licensing, compliance and risk frameworks, template contracts, dealer agreements and regulatory strategy.
Nissan in response to a cyber attack
Advised Nissan in response to a cyber-attack. We are also supporting with privacy, cyber and information security uplifts.
Tesla, Inc (US) and Tesla Motors Australia
Advised Tesla on a major consumer class action brought on behalf of owners of Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles purchased in Australia from May 2021 to February 2025.
BYD
Advising BYD on the legal and regulatory aspects of its Australian dealership and distribution operations.