Welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short, The Drive’s morning news summary featuring the most prominent automotive headlines from around the globe.
The Downshift condenses news items into brief summaries, with links to other sources for a more in-depth story. Here’s your update for Thursday, July 9, 2026.
🔊 The newest episode of The Drivecast, The Drive’s weekly podcast, is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts. There was an issue with the episode’s release yesterday, so if you were anticipating it, we appreciate your understanding!
🚨 The head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Jonathan Morrison, has urged makers of autonomous vehicles to create designs that do not hinder first responders. “To be clear: the failure to detect and adequately react to such circumstances indicates a functional deficiency,” stated Morrison in a letter, as the agency plans meetings with vendors this month to tackle the issue. [Reuters]
📈 Although China’s internal car sales may have plummeted by a striking 26% from June last year, its exports have surged by 80%—totaling 905,000 vehicles. This reflects the recent progress that BYD has achieved in markets outside of China. [Associated Press]
💷 A coalition of creditors holding over 50% of Aston Martin’s shares have signed a cooperation agreement amid rising concerns about its debt situation. [Bloomberg]
⚡ Mercedes has unveiled an AMG variant of its compact sedan, named the CLA45, equipped with three axial-flux electric motors producing a combined 671 horsepower from a 94-kWh battery. [Autocar]
🎰 McLaren has launched the 788HS, which it claims is the ultimate evolution of the 720S lineage. The new vehicle boasts 10% more downforce than the 765LT, has a weight of 2,789 pounds, and generates 777 horsepower (“788” represents its output in pferdestärke—apparently “777” wasn’t a significant enough figure.) Only 100 coupes and 100 convertibles are set to be manufactured. [McLaren]
🤖 Mitsubishi, surprisingly, is entering the humanoid robot arena, as it plans to roll them out in its factories and also partner with a startup named Highlanders Inc. for their production. [Automotive News]
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**NHTSA Calls for Urgent Measures to Prevent Robotaxis from Hindering First Responders**
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recently put forward a strong recommendation urging immediate steps to tackle the escalating concerns regarding robotaxis and their potential to block first responders during emergencies. As autonomous vehicle technology continues to progress and urban areas increasingly implement robotaxi services, the NHTSA stresses the importance of regulatory actions to secure public safety and effective emergency response.
### The Emergence of Robotaxis
Robotaxis, or autonomous ride-hailing vehicles, are becoming more common in cities throughout the United States. Companies like Waymo, Cruise, and others are testing and deploying fleets of self-driving cars designed to transport passengers without human drivers. While these advancements promise to improve mobility and reduce traffic incidents, they also present distinctive challenges, especially in emergencies.
### Challenges for First Responders
One of the main issues highlighted by the NHTSA is the likelihood of robotaxis obstructing emergency vehicles during critical incidents. In emergencies where every moment is crucial, such as medical crises, fires, or collisions, the presence of autonomous vehicles that may not yield appropriately can obstruct first responders’ efforts to assist those in need.
The NHTSA’s advisory indicates that robotaxis might not consistently recognize the urgency of emergency vehicles, particularly if they are programmed to prioritize passenger safety and follow traffic regulations. This could result in situations where robotaxis do not move aside, causing delays with potentially dire consequences for public safety.
### Actionable Recommendations
In light of these concerns, the NHTSA has advocated for several immediate actions:
1. **Establishment of Clear Protocols**: The agency suggests that robotaxi manufacturers formulate and implement clear protocols for how their vehicles should react to emergency vehicles. This includes yielding to sirens and lights and recognizing the need for swift movement in emergency contexts.
2. **Collaboration with Emergency Services**: The NHTSA promotes collaboration between robotaxi companies and local emergency services to develop guidelines ensuring the smooth integration of autonomous vehicles into emergency response efforts.
3. **Regulatory Framework Creation**: The agency pushes for the creation of a regulatory framework that mandates adherence to emergency response protocols for all autonomous vehicles operating in public domains.
4. **Public Education Initiatives**: Raising public awareness about the existence of robotaxis and their operational standards can help diminish confusion in emergencies. The NHTSA recommends campaigns that inform the public on how to engage with autonomous vehicles during crisis situations.
5. **Ongoing Research and Monitoring**: Continuous investigation into the interactions between robotaxis and emergency vehicles is crucial. The NHTSA calls for studies that evaluate the effectiveness of existing systems and pinpoint areas for enhancement.
### Conclusion
As urban transportation transforms with the advent of robotaxis, the NHTSA’s urgent call for action highlights the necessity of prioritizing public safety to ensure that first responders can execute their duties without interference. By establishing clear protocols, encouraging collaboration, and implementing regulatory actions, stakeholders can collectively create a safer environment for all road users. The successful incorporation of autonomous vehicles into our transportation ecosystem will hinge on effectively addressing these significant challenges.