China Changes the Game, Proposing Assistance to Western Automakers for Quicker Vehicle Production Locally: TDS
Geely's Senior Vice President, Victor Yang Xueliang, is seen on the left holding a joint press conference with Jim Baumbick, President of Ford Europe, at a Ford facility near Valencia, Spain on July 23. The two companies will collaborate on vehicle development for Europe at this location.
Jose Jordan/AFP via Getty Images
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Welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short, The Drive’s morning news summary featuring the main automotive headlines from around the globe.
Each entry in The Downshift includes a link for more in-depth information. Here’s your update for Thursday, August 20, 2026.
🤝 Are you a traditional automaker aiming to accelerate your vehicle development like Chinese manufacturers? Geely is promoting "reverse joint ventures," utilizing its technology and workforce to aid other companies in speeding up production for export markets. Now, picture an auto executive from 20 or 30 years ago coming across this news. [Automotive News]
⚙️ GM has made progress in addressing a problem with certain SUVs that utilize the eight-speed 8T65 transmission, specifically a faulty output speed sensor that might cause the vehicle to remain stuck in first gear. This issue affects vehicles like the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave, and a new service bulletin outlines how technicians should diagnose the problem and when to replace that troublesome sensor, which is located deep within the gearbox. [Autoblog]
✂️ There have been indications for some time that BMW plans to phase out the XM and 8 Series, and rumors are circulating again as the company aims to cut costs. [Automotive News]
🍁 As the U.S. government rolls back emissions regulations established by the previous administration, Canada appears to be moving forward with its rules, which are consistent with those set by the U.S. before Trump returned to the White House. [Automotive News]
🪫 LG has set up factories in North America for the production of electric vehicle batteries. Currently, these facilities primarily manufacture batteries for energy storage, which are in high demand due to—you guessed it—AI data centers. [Reuters]
🤏 Only a few foreign automakers have attempted to penetrate Japan’s distinctive kei market, but BYD is making a push with its new micro EV, the Racco. It’s a particularly daring move for a market that has shown a strong inclination toward hybrids rather than fully electric vehicles. [Bloomberg]
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China Changes the Game, Proposing Assistance to Western Automakers for Quicker Vehicle Production Locally: TDS
Historically, established car manufacturers assisted up-and-coming Chinese producers in gaining traction within China. Currently, the situation has flipped.