Toyota's CEO refers to the RAV4-based truck as "an opportunity for us," according to TDS.

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

      Concise and informative, TDS collates the latest automotive news from around the world in one convenient location. Each story is summarized in a single sentence with a link for those interested in more details.

      It’s Friday, we’ve made it, and I’m in Northern Minnesota at the cabin. Let’s dive in.

      🚘 What I’m driving: This week I'm behind the wheel of the 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. Its Wavemaker Blue paint makes it stand out, and it’s louder than usual thanks to the TRD Performance package, which includes a catback exhaust system and a dual intake system.

      🛻 Toyota Motor North America CEO Tetsuo Ogawa mentioned that “a RAV4-based pickup represents an opportunity for us, and dealers are ready; while they might insist they need it today or tomorrow, it will require some time.”

      🛻 The 2027 Nissan Frontier Sport was introduced as an affordable off-road option.

      🦸‍♂️ The Jeep Wrangler America250 special edition has been launched to celebrate America’s 250th birthday; it resembles Captain America’s Wrangler.

      🪫 Subaru is postponing its in-house EV development after incurring a $362 million charge.

      🏭 Toyota is contemplating adding another assembly line in Texas, which would involve a $2 billion investment.

      🤝 Stellantis and Dongfeng have reached a $1.17 billion agreement for the production of electric Peugeots and Jeeps in China.

      🏎️ HWA is now offering an EVO race car that will participate in the 24-Hour Nurburgring race.

      😱 The Pagani Zonda continues to thrive; a new Pagani Zonda Roadster has been launched as a restored and reimagined model called the “Cervino.”

      ⛽️ Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Polestar, stated that drivers are experiencing “pump anxiety” due to increasing fuel prices.

      ⚫️ Rolls-Royce unveiled the Black Badge Cullinan designed by Cyril Kongo.

      Have a news tip or feedback? Reach out to us at tips@thedrive.com

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Toyota's CEO refers to the RAV4-based truck as "an opportunity for us," according to TDS.

Tetsuo Ogawa, the CEO of Toyota Motor North America, mentioned that "dealers are anticipating" a truck based on the RAV4.