Hello and welcome downshiftor TDS for short, driveA morning news roundup that captures the biggest automotive headlines from around the world.
downshift Summarizes the stories in a few sentences and adds a link for those wanting more details. We hope you had a great weekend, and here’s your bulletin for Monday, July 27, 2026.
🚙 Honda may bring a taller, longer-roof Accord to the market just before the end of the decade to lure Subaru Outback buyers. The vehicle, tentatively called the “Accord SUV”, will ride on the same platform as the sedan and use a hybrid powertrain. Hopefully, it’ll be less ugly than the Accord Crosstour. (automotive news)
🔌 China’s plug-in hybrids dominate nearly a third of all PHEVs sold in Europe during the first half of 2026, and Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume has said enough is enough, demanding that the bloc’s lawmakers impose tariffs on plug-ins from the country to establish “a level playing field.” (automotive news)
📉 Audi has lowered its guidance for investors on operating margins and revenue, following a trend for European legacy automakers to grapple with headwinds throughout the year, particularly in China. (automotive news)
🩷 Ford has introduced the Bronco Desert Rising Edition, the first edition of what the automaker calls its “Horizon Series” of special packages for its popular SUV. The Desert Rising Edition comes with magenta graphics, trim and interior upholstery, as well as white Method wheels. The package will add $13,695 to the price of the Bronco Outer Banks, for a total deliverable of $63,575. (ford)
🛻 Mercedes-Benz hasn’t offered a G-Class Cabriolet since 2013, but that’s expected to change soon, according to new spy shots. (autocar)
🤑 A pair of former Volkswagen Group engineers have been charged with insider trading in the US after allegedly passing on $300,000 in confidential information that the German automaker was going to announce a joint venture with Rivian before the news became public. (techcrunch)
✓Hyundai has announced a vehicle-to-grid platform called AlldayEnergy that will handle all services related to customers powering their homes with their EV, or sending excess power to the grid. The initiative is rolling out globally in the second half of 2026 and will launch in the US at a later date (Hyundai)
🏁 Weekend race results:
- NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Indianapolis: Layne Riggs wins for Front Row Motorsports
- NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Indianapolis: Carson Kvapil took the win for JR Motorsports
- Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix: Lando Norris wins for McLaren
- NASCAR Cup Series at Indianapolis: Corey Heim wins for 23XI Racing
- NHRA Drag Racing Northwest Nationals Finals: Doug Kalita (Top Fuel), JR Todd (Funny Car), and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) won their respective classes
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