you are welcome downshiftor TDS for short, of drive The Morning News Roundup is bringing you the biggest automotive headlines from around the world.
downshift Summarizes news with links to full stories for those seeking more information. This is your bulletin for Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
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🛢️ New car buyers are moving away from larger, more uneconomical SUVs and trucks in half the time General Motors expected because of the war in Iran, said Duncan Aldred, president of the automaker’s North America operations. “I wouldn’t sit here and say it’s permanent yet, but we are seeing somewhat of a decline in pickup trucks, full-size utilities and some heavier (vehicles) and an increase in the more affordable segments of the industry.” (Automotive News)
📉 BMW shares fell 7% on Wednesday after a dire profit warning. The company now expects operating profit between 1% to 3% instead of earlier guidance of 4% to 6%. (Reuters)
📒 The good news for BMW is that, citing strong demand, it has decided to open the order books for the i3 sedan in Europe earlier than expected – in the fall as originally planned. (Automotive News)
⚙️ Ford has issued a recall for 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion models equipped with 1.0-liter Ford engines and manual transmissions because the clutch is particularly prone to slipping, increasing the risk of overheating and fire. (Autoblog)
♦️ Mitsubishi dealers in North America have been shown previews of the upcoming Montero SUV and Nissan Frontier-based midsize pickup, and they’re clearly pretty excited, with one retailer calling the upcoming roster “night and day from the current lineup.” (Automotive News)
🪪 Rivian, which employed just over 15,000 people at the end of last year, is laying off less than 2% of its workforce. (Automotive News)
⬇️ Jaguar Land Rover has cut its profit margin guidance to 4%. In addition to the challenges many European automakers are facing, JLR’s last cyberattack is believed to have cost the company about $2.6 billion. (Reuters)
🏁 In racing news, Porsche, which left the World Endurance Championship after last season and thus did not compete in last weekend’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, said the rule makers’ aim to combine LMH and LMDh cars into a single formula would be an “important step” towards getting it back into the event. (motorsport)
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