Why It Matters

German-Austrian supplier Benteler Trading International AG just hired Holland & Knight for federal lobbying to focus on transportation and transit financing for its autonomous shuttle technology.

Benteler’s subsidiary HOLON manufactures fully electric, autonomous shuttles for public transit—a sector awash in federal funding. Federal programs authorize billions for transit modernization, and recent tariffs on imported buses advantage European manufacturers planning U.S. production.

A July 2025 partnership with Lyft plans U.S. deployment starting late 2026, including a $100 million Jacksonville, Florida production facility. Unlike competitors like Waymo, Benteler frames its technology as public transit rather than private ridesharing—potentially avoiding labor union opposition that has complicated other autonomous vehicle deployments.

By the Numbers

Benteler Trading International AG retained Holland & Knight LLP on June 30, 2024, with no prior lobbying history. Holland & Knight has filed over 2,800 disclosures since 2003, generating more than $150 million in lobbying fees.

The five-person team brings exceptional congressional firepower. Michael K. Friedberg previously directed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Railroads Subcommittee. Sara Elizabeth Peters served as counsel and budget director for the House Appropriations Committee—controlling transit funding. Both previously lobbied for Waymo LLC on autonomous vehicle regulation.

Broader Context

Congressional spending on transit modernization is at historic highs. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act authorized $108 billion for federal transportation programs, and the Federal Transit Administration recently announced $1.5 billion in dedicated bus-purchasing grants.

The regulatory environment has shifted favorably. The Trump administration unveiled a new federal Automated Vehicle Framework to streamline AV development, while the Senate’s Autonomous Vehicle Acceleration Act (S.1798) seeks federal standards for Level 4 and 5 autonomous vehicles.

Trade policy also favors European manufacturers: tariffs on imported buses reached 10 percent..

Competitive Landscape

Benteler enters a crowded lobbying arena. New Flyer of America Inc. actively lobbies on transportation appropriations and clean vehicle tax credits. The Transport Workers Union of America pushes for increased transit funding while advocating for worker protections against autonomous vehicle deployment. Transit agencies and financial institutions also compete for federal appropriations.

The Bottom Line

Benteler’s lobbying entry reflects the convergence of expanded transit funding, regulatory openness to autonomous vehicles, and trade policies favoring non-Chinese manufacturers. The company’s team possesses direct congressional experience on appropriations and transportation policy, positioning it to navigate federal grant programs and secure support for its Lyft partnership deployment.

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