good morning and welcome downshiftor TDS for short, driveNews roundup that brings together the biggest automotive headlines from around the world.
downshift Summarizes the stories in a few sentences and provides a link for those seeking more information. Here is your bulletin for Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
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🪽Aston Martin plans to keep its V12s in production for as long as possible, though it comes with a caveat. “We’ve done some work to bring the V12 in line with European and American (regulations),” brand CEO Adrian Hallmark said in a recent interview. “If we keep our V12 sales below 1,000 per year, we will be exempt from the law until at least 2035.” This significantly limits the company’s output, although volume is not something Aston has ever really wanted. (Auto Express)
📉 Mercedes-Benz’s Q2 2026 results are in and they’re down 8% compared to last year. The automaker blamed tough competition in China for the decline. (Where else?) (reuters)
📹Honda is recalling more than 325,000 Odyssey minivans, model years 2018-2020, for faulty rearview cameras that can allow water to leak in and damage the system. (reuters)
💵 If you’re interested in a 2026 Lucid Air or Gravity, the EV maker is offering some big rebates this month, including a $10,000 credit for those paying cash, an additional $3,000 for trade-ins, and $3,000 for returning Lucid customers. (InsideEVS)
👔 According to a French newspaper report, BYD reportedly wanted to buy a stake in Renault twice in the past few years, but was thwarted both times. (automotive news)
🐭 Do you know the Fiat Topolino, now available in North America? Apparently, the company is considering a hot Abarth version. I hope there’s more to it than ropes for doors. (autocar)
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