Ford Stellantis GM CEOs testify to Congress on Rising Car Prices and EV Policy
The chief executives at the helm of Detroit’s Big Three automakers have been invited to publicly testify before Congress on January 14, 2026. This marks the first time since the 2008 financial crisis that the leaders of Ford, General Motors (GM), and Stellantis have made a joint appearance on Capitol Hill. The Ford Stellantis GM CEOs testify session is intended to explore the auto industry’s outlook and the impact of federal policy on vehicle affordability.
The hearing, titled “Pedal to the Policy,” will examine how government interference, including “radical global warming regulations and mandated technologies,” has driven up the cost of vehicles for American consumers. Tesla’s Vice President of Vehicle Engineering, Lars Moravy, has also been invited to join the panel.
Here is a look at the soaring vehicle costs and the hot-button issues driving this unprecedented hearing.
The Vehicle Affordability Crisis
The central issue driving the hearing is the dramatic and sustained rise in new car prices over the last decade.
| Year | Average New Car Price (ATP) | Note |
| 2000 | $20,356 | N/A |
| 2010 | $24,296 | Modest increase over 10 years |
| September 2025 | $50,080 | Price has doubled in the last decade, driven by regulations and EV investment. |
Republicans argue that “onerous government-mandated technologies” (like start-stop systems) and climate regulations have contributed significantly to this surge, making cars out of reach for the average American customer.
Key Issues Under Congressional Scrutiny
The January session offers lawmakers a rare opportunity to question the country’s most prominent automotive executives on topics affecting their businesses:
- EV Policy and Costs: The impact of federal EV tax credits, emission mandates, and the significant cost of retooling factories for electrification.
- Tariffs and Trade: Scrutiny over existing tariffs on imported vehicles and steel, as well as the industry’s position ahead of the mandatory review of the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) free trade agreement, which has a renewal deadline of July 1, 2026.
- Competition: Lawmakers aim to restore competition and expand consumer choice in a market that has seen prices accelerate dramatically.
The Significance of the Hearing
The last time the Detroit Three CEOs testified jointly before Congress was in late 2008, during the height of the financial crisis when the automakers were seeking emergency government assistance.
This time, the Ford Stellantis GM CEOs testify session is about regulations and affordability. The executives, including Ford CEO Jim Farley, GM CEO Mary Barra, and Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa, must navigate a politically charged environment while advocating for their North American business interests and stability ahead of critical trade decisions.
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