GM's Electric Truck Factory Has Shut Down Once More: TDS

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      Good morning and welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short.

      Concise and packed with information, TDS compiles the newest automotive updates from around the world and assembles them in one location. Each story is condensed into a single sentence with a link for those wanting additional details.

      The first cup of coffee is finished, I’m ready for the second, and I have a flight to catch. Let’s dive in.

      🚘 What I'm currently driving: The 2026 Dodge Durango Hellcat has left my driveway, making way for a 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness, which is quite the adjustment for my driving experience. Let’s just say the Subaru lacks the same volume.

      🪫 GM’s main EV manufacturing plant, Factory Zero, has shut down once more, halting production and idling 1,300 workers for the Chevy Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, and GMC Hummer EV as demand decreases; UAW Local 22 President James Cotton expressed hope for recovery, particularly with rising gas prices, stating, “I believe EVs are the future.”

      🛻 In contrast, GM is increasing production of heavy-duty trucks despite forecasts that predict a 6.5% decline in sales for the first quarter.

      🏕️ Jeep showcased a preview of the forthcoming Cherokee Trailhawk in "concept" form at the 2026 Easter Jeep Safari, along with an “extreme” electric Recon.

      🛠️ Six years post-unveiling, the Koenigsegg Gemera is finally commencing production.

      ⛽️ Toyota noted, "there are still numerous situations where people cannot rely solely on gasoline-powered vehicles."

      🇨🇳 BMW has removed the pop-out door handles from the iX3 EV for the Chinese market.

      🎉 The Ford Expedition celebrated its 30th anniversary, marked by the introduction of a 30th Anniversary Appearance Package featuring unique badging and paint inspired by the Mustang Dark Horse.

      🐎 On the Mustang front, Ford has reopened orders for the Mustang GTD.

      🗺️ Google will be adding EV route planning to its Maps feature on Android Auto.

      🔌 The BMW i5 is transitioning to a Tesla-like NACS charging port.

      🚨 The NHTSA is investigating around 75,300 Nissan Frontiers due to potential concerns regarding a fuel leak.

      🏎️ Ford is collaborating with Oreca on its next Le Mans race car, stating, “we hope it represents a Ford and doesn’t resemble an Oreca.”

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