Welcome to The Downshift, often referred to as TDS, The Drive’s morning news summary highlighting the most significant automotive headlines globally.
The Downshift condenses news stories into brief paragraphs, providing links to additional sources for a more comprehensive understanding. Here’s your update for Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
🧑🔧 Ford is initiating a recall of 741,195 vehicles in the U.S., including select 2018-2021 Ford Explorer, Expedition, and F-150 and Lincoln Aviator and Navigator models, due to a transmission issue that could damage the parking pawl, preventing the vehicle from remaining stationary and creating a potential rollaway hazard unless the parking brake is also used. To resolve the problem, Ford will update the Powertrain Control Modules in the affected vehicles and examine the parking system for any damage, replacing faulty components as necessary. Until then, please ensure to utilize the parking brake each time. [Associated Press, NHTSA]
🍁 A representative from Slate plainly stated that the new company does “not plan to offer vehicles in Canada” without providing further information. The Slate electric pickup will debut in the U.S. at a starting price of $24,950, excluding destination fees. [Automotive News]
🏭 Volkswagen might separate its automotive components division in Germany from its main vehicle manufacturing sector, enabling it to close German plants that would typically remain open due to the “Volkswagen Law,” which grants the state of Lower Saxony 20% voting rights at company general meetings. [Reuters]
⚡ Ferrari and BMW are among the automakers transitioning from copper to aluminum for their wiring needs, which has become more economical lately due to rising copper prices driven by data centers. Chinese car manufacturers and Tesla have also adopted this change in recent years. An added advantage of aluminum is that it’s lighter than copper, which is crucial for electric vehicles. [Reuters]
🦅 Nissan has joined the America 250 special-edition trend for its pickup, revealing that it will produce 2,500 units of the Frontier featuring stars-and-stripes integrated into the truck’s sizable tailgate branding. [Nissan]
💸 Speaking of Nissan, if you’re in the market for a new vehicle under $20,000, your choices have nearly vanished unless you manage to acquire one of the few leftover 2025 Versa S models still available nationwide. The S trim, which includes a manual transmission, has been discontinued, pushing the subcompact sedan’s starting price beyond $20,000. [CarsDirect]
🔧 Stellantis has prolonged a previously scheduled production halt for the Fiat 500 at its Turin facility, due to shortages of components. [Reuters]
Have a tip or feedback for TDS? Contact [email protected]
**Ford Announces Recall for 740,000 Trucks and SUVs Due to Possible Rollaway Concern While in Park**
In an important safety update, Ford Motor Company has announced a recall impacting roughly 740,000 trucks and SUVs in the United States. This recall has been issued due to a potential danger of the vehicles rolling away while in the “Park” setting, which presents a significant safety threat to drivers, occupants, and pedestrians.
### Models Involved
The recall applies to several models, mainly focusing on the following:
– 2020-2022 Ford Explorer
– 2020-2022 Ford Escape
– 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair
– 2021-2022 Ford Bronco Sport
– 2021-2022 Ford F-150
These vehicles come equipped with a transmission that may not effectively engage the “Park” setting, resulting in a risk of unintended movement.
### Description of the Issue
The problem stems from a possible defect in the transmission that could prevent the vehicle from securely locking in the “Park” position. This malfunction might happen if the driver fails to fully engage the gear lever or if the transmission does not accurately lock, thereby increasing the chances of rollaway incidents. Ford has recorded multiple cases where vehicles rolled away after being parked, causing property damage and near-miss collisions.
### Safety Actions and Suggestions
Ford is advising all vehicle owners affected by this recall to take prompt action. The automaker suggests that drivers utilize the parking brake each time they park their vehicles as a precautionary measure until the recall repairs are completed.
### Recall Procedure
Ford has indicated that they will contact affected vehicle owners by mail, outlining how to arrange a service appointment for the necessary repairs. These repairs will be conducted at no cost to the owners. Ford dealerships will examine the transmission and, if required, update the software or replace parts to ensure the vehicle properly locks into the “Park” position.
### Final Thoughts
This recall highlights the critical nature of vehicle safety and the necessity for manufacturers to promptly address potential risks. Affected owners are encouraged to stay informed about the recall process and take the essential steps to ensure their safety and that of others on the road. For more details, vehicle owners may reach out to Ford customer service or visit the official Ford website to check their vehicle’s recall status.
admin