i found this about what was on Fox news...
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Based on reports from Fox News and Fox Business, 2026 model-year vehicles are facing significant changes in mandatory technology, primarily focused on driver monitoring and safety, alongside shifting regulatory landscapes regarding fuel efficiency.
Mandatory "Kill Switch" / Driver Monitoring Technology
- Impaired Driving Mandate: Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021, new vehicles (initially projected for the 2026 model year) are required to have anti-drunk driving technology installed, according to Fox News.
- Surveillance Concerns: Critics described in Fox reports refer to this as a "kill switch" system that uses cameras and sensors to monitor a driver’s eye movements, behavior, or breath, which can stop the car from moving if impairment is suspected.
- Functionality: If the software detects potential impairment—which opponents argue could result from distractions, fatigue, or stress—the car may refuse to start, or pull itself over.
- Current Status: While the legislation mandated development by late 2024, NHTSA has been working on the final standards to determine which technologies will be required, with 2026 being the target for rollout.
Fox News +3
Other 2026 Vehicle Trends
- Fuel Standards: Reports indicate that 2026 vehicles may see different fuel efficiency standards, with some political discourse aiming to end regulations that push start/stop technology, which has been described by critics as unpopular.
- Electric Vehicles (EVs): The 2026 market is expected to see a rise in more affordable, new EVs like the Kia EV3/EV4 and increased competition, potentially without the previous level of government incentives.
- New Tech/Features: Vehicles are increasingly using sensor technology (cameras, lidar, radar) for safety features like advanced emergency braking.
- Robotaxis: Uber and Waymo are testing sixth-generation robotaxi technology, which uses a 16-camera system and other sensors to navigate with no driver present, designed for better performance in heavy traffic and extreme weather.
Fox News +6
These developments have led to discussions regarding data privacy, potential overreach by the government, and the reliability of AI-driven safety measures.