BMW's competitor to the G-Wagen may not come to fruition, according to TDS.
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Good morning and welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short, The Drive’s round-up of major automotive headlines from around the world.
The Downshift condenses stories into a few sentences and includes links for those wanting more details. Here’s your update for Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
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🚙 A much-anticipated off-road BMW SUV designed to compete with Mercedes’ G-Wagen is reportedly uncertain, according to a new report from anonymous sources familiar with the project. The vehicle has undergone changes in its architecture, shifting from fully electric to the same platform as the new X5, which now includes a plug-in hybrid option. However, it has not yet received final approval, and the manufacturer has not confirmed its development publicly. In other words, if it doesn't materialize in the next two years, it may be quietly abandoned. [BMW Blog]
🪪 In other BMW-related news, the company plans to eliminate several thousand jobs in Germany by the end of 2027 through a voluntary buyout scheme, similar to layoffs announced by other German manufacturers amid challenges in China and a need to reduce costs due to geopolitical and supply issues. [Reuters]
💺 Ford is recalling nearly 80,000 units of the Explorer and Lincoln Aviator due to front seat backs that may recline too far, likely caused by a seat memory error, which could trap second-row passengers already inside the vehicle. [Autoblog]
🔋 In Canada, 65% of Toyota’s sales during the first half of 2026 were electrified vehicles, including full EVs, plug-in hybrids, and traditional hybrids. This marks a 14% increase compared to the same period last year. [Automotive News]
📉 Lamborghini cited U.S. tariffs and unfavorable exchange rates as reasons for an 8% decrease in its operating profit during the first half of the year. [Reuters]
🧑🏭 Approximately 6,000 Audi employees at the Neckarsulm plant protested on Wednesday against the potential shutdown of the facility, as Volkswagen Group has indicated it could close four factories in the country by 2030. [Reuters]
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BMW's G-Wagen Competitor Might Not Be In the Works After All: TDS
According to a new report, BMW's first off-road-focused SUV has not yet received approval and has undergone changes during its development.
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A draft calendar for the next Formula 1 season, which is considered the basic version, has appeared in the press.
BMW's competitor to the G-Wagen may not come to fruition, according to TDS.
A recent report states that BMW's inaugural off-road-focused SUV has not yet received approval and has undergone changes throughout its development.