Mercedes-Benz's CEO aims to ensure the company is ready to assist in defending Europe: TDS.
Mercedes-Benz Special Defense Trucks
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Good morning and welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short.
We have compiled the latest automotive headlines from around the world for your quick consumption! Monday editions also include results from weekend races.
🫡 Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius stated that the company is "prepared" to enter the military-equipment sector, and he was clearly referring to more than just camo-painted G-Wagens. His full quote was: "The world has become more unpredictable, and it is evident that Europe needs to enhance its defense capabilities," as quoted by Källenius. "If we can contribute positively to that, we would be ready to do so.” [Euronews]
🪖 In related news, Jaguar Land Rover and General Motors are both competing for a contract to manufacture military trucks for the UK. [The Guardian]
⛽ A shortage of cooking fuel in India is causing gas prices to rise in California. [Reuters]
🔧 Max Verstappen's Red Bull Mercedes AMG GT3 experienced a broken driveshaft, ending his chances of winning the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours race. [ESPN]
🛞 Car and Driver columnist Ezra Dyer brought a Lamborghini Revuelto to a high school automotive class to inspire a new wave of car enthusiasts. [Car and Driver]
🏛️ Automotive YouTuber Rob Ferretti ("superspeedersRob") is running for the mayor position in Rockleigh, New Jersey. [Ferretti for Mayor]
🏁 Weekend Race Results:
NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race: Denny Hamlin (#11, Joe Gibbs Racing) finished first, followed by Chase Briscoe in second and Erik Jones in third.
NASCAR Xfinity Series BetRivers 200: Corey Day, Justin Allgaier, and Sam Mayer took the top three spots in that order.
IndyCar Indianapolis 500 Qualifying: Alex Palou (Chip Ganassi Racing) secured the pole position, with Alexander Rossi in second and David Malukas in third.
MotoGP Catalan Grand Prix: Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) won the race.
Formula E Monaco E-Prix Double-Header: Dan Ticktum (Saturday), Oliver Rowland (Sunday).
2026 ADAC Ravenol 24h Nürburgring: Maro Engel, Mercedes-AMG GT3.
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Mercedes-Benz's CEO aims to ensure the company is ready to assist in defending Europe: TDS.
The interest of various automakers in the military-industrial sector doesn't appear to bode well for civilization as a whole.