Hyundai Sonata Joins Camry and Accord in Surge of Sedan Sales: TDS

      Hyundai

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      Welcome to The Downshift, also known as TDS, The Drive’s morning news roundup featuring the top automotive headlines from around the world.

      The Downshift keeps you informed with brief summaries of news stories, along with links for those wishing to explore the topics further. Here’s your update for Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

      📈 Hyundai has released its sales figures for May, revealing a 3% increase in total sales compared to May 2025. Notably, Sonata sales soared by 39% over the same period last year, with 8,456 units sold compared to 6,082. This mirrors similar growth for the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, indicating a resurgence of sedans in the U.S. market. [Hyundai]

      🎱 Toyota has made minor enhancements to the GR86, improving throttle calibration, shifter feel, and offering new interior trim options. [Toyota]

      🏭 Workers from the United Auto Workers union at GM’s axle plant in Three Rivers, Michigan, operated by Dauch Corp, went on strike on Monday. Sources familiar with the situation indicate that the company currently has about two weeks' worth of axle inventory available. [Reuters]

      🐎 Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna defended the choice to introduce the Luce during an interview, stating, “Some clients have indicated to us, ‘I will only become your client if you have an electric traction car. Otherwise, I won't purchase an [internal-combustion vehicle] because I need to align with the message I'm conveying to my children.'” The CEO reaffirmed the company's commitment to diverse powertrains while emphasizing that Ferrari will never produce a Level 3+ autonomous vehicle. [Drive]

      🍏 The Mazda MX-5 Miata has debuted a new color named “Zinc Green,” which is more gray and flat than green, resembling something you might expect on a Bronco. [Mazda]

      🚘 Mini is reportedly bringing back dual exhaust tips and introducing more unique color options to recapture its original U.S. launch vibe, according to a dealer who attended a BMW retailer meeting last month. [BMW Blog]

      ⚡ BYD experienced a sales increase for the first time in nine months in May, with an exact rise of 0.3% compared to the same month last year. [Bloomberg]

      🦊 Foxtron—the electric vehicle division of Foxconn, the electronics manufacturer known for producing iPhones—has unveiled a rival to the Tesla Model Y, featuring an LFP battery pack and resembling a minivan more than an SUV. Sales will initially begin in Taiwan. [InsideEVs]

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