Ford CEO Jim Farley states that U.S. plants are closing the gap with those in China and Mexico: TDS

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      Welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short, The Drive’s morning news summary presenting you with the top automotive headlines from across the globe.

      Each entry in The Downshift includes a link for more detailed information. Here’s your update for Friday, July 17, 2026.

      🧑‍🏭 Ford CEO Jim Farley recently discussed how the company has improved its initial quality during an interview, providing intriguing insights into the differences in manufacturing culture at its facilities in Mexico, China, the U.S., and beyond. “There are cultural differences between various countries and even within Ford’s manufacturing culture, with varying levels of commitment to the processes, and problem-solving is a vital skill,” Farley noted. “I would say the U.S. plants have caught up the quickest. Our overseas plants I mentioned have been the most consistent.” [The Detroit News via Ford Authority]

      📲 The Rivian R2 has just debuted but has already received its inaugural software update, introducing features like Launch Mode, Pet Comfort, and Gear Guard, akin to Rivian’s take on Tesla’s Sentry Mode. [Autoblog]

      🌏 Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson recently addressed comments made by White House senior trade advisor Peter Navarro, who accused Chinese automakers of “plundering global car markets” and referred to BYD as “a microcosm of China’s pirate business model: copy, absorb, subsidize, scale, dump, and dominate.” Samuelsson remarked that “we are in a new competitive environment, and we must respect those who have succeeded in electric vehicles,” asserting that Chinese manufacturers “have made many correct decisions.” [Automotive News]

      📉 In line with that, Volvo’s sales in China fell by 35% in the second quarter, though the company is optimistic that profits will rebound in the latter half of 2026. [Reuters]

      🪫 Honda has officially announced that its electric Prologue SUV will not see another model year, a development we had anticipated back in March when reports surfaced regarding the company's cessation of all EV investments and the termination of its partnership with General Motors. [Automotive News]

      🍁 A new report detailing Stellantis’ difficulties in Canada shows how dealerships are in dire need of new products. The automaker held a 15.4% market share in Canada in 2015; a decade later, that percentage decreased to 6%. [Automotive News]

      🫸 Foxconn intended to market its Model C EV in the U.S. through an American brand, but now the Taiwanese tech and auto manufacturer has announced that the deal is currently suspended as the unidentified distributor considers the impact of tariffs. [Automotive News]

      🐎 Ferrari reportedly wanted to equip the 849 Testarossa with pop-up headlights but switched to fixed units due to regulations in China and the U.S. that prohibited such a feature. [CarExpert]

      ⚡ Geely has launched a new electric motor, named “Thunder,” that is exceptionally efficient, compact, and lightweight, significantly reducing wiring and the number of components while delivering 328 horsepower in a small package. [InsideEVs]

      🏁 Weekend racing to catch (all times Eastern):

      WRC Rally Estonia: All weekend on Rally.TV

      NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at North Wilkesboro Speedway: Saturday at 12:30 p.m. on FS1

      Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix: Sunday at 9 a.m. on Apple TV

      IndyCar at Nashville: Sunday at 5:30 p.m. on Fox

      NASCAR Cup Series at North Wilkesboro Speedway: Sunday at 7 p.m. on TNT

      NHRA Drag Racing Sonoma Nationals Finals: Sunday at 10 p.m. on FS1

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