Automakers Ramp Up Lobbying Against AM Radio Bill
Opponents spent $6.3 million in the third quarter of 2026 to stall legislation requiring AM radios in new vehicles.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Organizations opposing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act funneled $6.3 million into lobbying efforts during the third quarter of 2026. This activity intensifies the legislative battle over the future of broadcast radio in modern car designs.
Why it matters
Opponents aim to stall the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act in the Senate despite strong bipartisan support. The legislation faces significant hurdles to passage as it likely will not receive a floor vote before the upcoming midterms.
Opponents of the AM mandate spent $6.3 million on lobbying in Q3, compared to $3.7 million from broadcast supporters. Meanwhile, the Senate bill S. 315 currently holds support from more than 60 bipartisan cosponsors.
The players
Toyota Motor North America
A major automotive manufacturer that spent $1.7 million on lobbying efforts against the bill.
Alliance for Automotive Innovation
A trade association representing major car manufacturers that directed $1.5 million toward lobbying.
Tesla
An electric vehicle company that spent $650,000 to oppose the federal AM radio requirement.
Chuck Grassley
A United States Senator who noted that the bill requires unanimous consent to move forward in the chamber.
The details
Industry groups including Toyota, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, and Tesla are among those actively opposing the mandate. The House successfully passed its version, H.R. 979, in September 2026 via a voice vote under suspension of the rules.
Timeline
May 2026: The bill was included in the surface transportation package.
September 2026: The House passed H.R. 979.
Q3 2026: Significant lobbying expenditures were recorded by both sides.
Early October 2026: Chuck Grassley stated the bill needs unanimous consent for passage.
Roadmap
This intense lobbying highlights a broader industry push to redefine standard vehicle equipment as cars transition to fully electric architectures. The conflict pits traditional broadcast reach against the design preferences of modern automakers.
The potential passage of this legislation could mandate the inclusion of AM radio receivers in all new vehicles regardless of manufacturer design choices. This may ultimately influence standard features and future pricing for car buyers across the country.
The takeaway
The heavy investment from both sides underscores the high stakes for the future of in-vehicle communications infrastructure. Readers should note that political maneuvering remains the primary barrier to whether these radios stay standard in future models.
Further reading
For more information on industry trends, visit Electric Vehicles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Radio Ink.
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