11
Ford CEO Reveals U.S. Plants Are Finally Closing the Gap With China & Mexico
The Downshift: Big Car News Roundup for Friday, July 17, 2026
What Is The Downshift?
Welcome to The Downshift (or TDS for short)! It’s The Drive’s morning news roundup that brings you the biggest car headlines from all around the world.
- Every story in The Downshift includes a link so you can click and read the deeper version.
- This bulletin is for Friday, July 17, 2026.
Important: The Downshift is a quick daily catch-up. If a headline sounds cool, just follow the link to learn more!
Get the Free Newsletter
We also have a free daily newsletter!
- What you get: The biggest car news and reviews, no BS.
- When: Stories that really matter, sent directly to you every weekday.
- Cost: Totally free.
Today’s Car News
Ford’s Factory Quality and Culture
Ford’s boss, CEO Jim Farley, recently talked about how the company improved its early quality (meaning new cars having fewer problems). He shared interesting thoughts on how work culture differs between Ford factories in Mexico, China, the U.S., and other places.
- Farley said: “There are cultural changes between different countries and even manufacturing culture within Ford… problem-solving is a skill.”
- U.S. plants have improved the fastest.
- Some overseas plants have been the most steady and consistent.
Rivian R2 Gets Its First Update
The Rivian R2 is a new electric car that just got its first big software update (like a phone update, but for your car).
New features added:
- Launch Mode – for quicker acceleration.
- Pet Comfort – keeps furry friends happy.
- Gear Guard – like Tesla’s Sentry Mode, it watches over your car.
Volvo CEO on Chinese Car Makers
A White House advisor said Chinese car companies are “plundering” markets and called BYD a “pirate” business. Volvo’s CEO, Hakan Samuelsson, responded politely:
- He said we must respect those who succeeded in electric cars.
- He added Chinese makers “have done a lot of things right.”
Volvo Sales in China Drop
On that note, Volvo’s sales in China fell by 35% in the second quarter of 2026.
- But Volvo thinks profits will bounce back in the second half of the year.
Honda Prologue EV Is Done
Honda confirmed its electric Prologue SUV will not get another model year.
- This was expected back in March.
- Honda is ending EV investments and its partnership with General Motors.
Stellantis Losing Ground in Canada
A new report shows Stellantis (a big car company) is struggling in Canada.
- In 2015, it had 15.4% of the market.
- In 2025 (10 years later), only 6%.
- Dealers really want new cars to sell.
Foxconn Pauses U.S. EV Plan
Foxconn (a tech/auto maker from Taiwan) wanted to sell its Model C electric car in the U.S. through an American brand.
- That deal is now on ice.
- The unnamed U.S. distributor is worried about tariffs (extra taxes on imports).
Ferrari Testarossa Headlights
Ferrari thought about giving the new 849 Testarossa pop-up headlights (the cool hiding ones).
- They had to use fixed headlights instead.
- Rules in China and the U.S. wouldn’t allow pop-ups.
Geely’s “Thunder” Motor
Geely made a new electric motor called Thunder.
- Super efficient, small, and light.
- Uses fewer wires and parts.
- Packs 328 horsepower in a tiny size.
Weekend Racing to Watch
All times are Eastern Time (ET):
- WRC Rally Estonia – All weekend on Rally.TV
- NASCAR Trucks at North Wilkesboro – Saturday, 12:30 p.m. on FS1
- F1 Belgian Grand Prix – Sunday, 9 a.m. on Apple TV
- IndyCar at Nashville – Sunday, 5:30 p.m. on Fox
- NASCAR Cup at North Wilkesboro – Sunday, 7 p.m. on TNT
- NHRA Drag Racing Finals – Sunday, 10 p.m. on FS1
Tip: Got a story tip or feedback for TDS? Email tips@thedrive.com
Summary
Today’s Downshift covered Ford’s quality culture, Rivian’s new update, Volvo’s China comments and sales drop, Honda quitting the Prologue, Stellantis’ Canada slide, Foxconn’s paused U.S. plan, Ferrari’s headlight rules, and Geely’s tiny Thunder motor. Plus, a full list of weekend races to enjoy!
FAQ
What is The Downshift?
It’s a daily morning roundup of the biggest car news from around the world, published by The Drive.
How can I get car news every weekday?
Sign up for the free newsletter mentioned at the top—it sends important stories to your inbox daily.
Why did Ferrari skip pop-up headlights?
Because safety rules in the U.S. and China don’t allow them, so they used fixed lights.
What is Gear Guard on Rivian?
It’s a feature like Tesla’s Sentry Mode that helps watch and protect your car.
Where can I watch weekend racing?
Check the numbered list above for channels and times in Eastern Time.
