The Downshift, abbreviated as TDS, is The Drive’s morning news summary, providing you with the top automotive news from around the globe.
The Downshift offers a brief recap of the news with links to full articles for those looking for more details. Here is your update for Thursday, September 3, 2026.
🔊 The most recent episode of The Drivecast, The Drive’s weekly podcast, was released yesterday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and on any platform you prefer for podcasts.
📈 According to a new report, Ford has set an ambitious target to sell 100,000 units of its new Fathom electric truck within its first year in the market. This could be a challenging goal, as the automaker has never sold more than 33,000 F-150 Lightning pickups in a single year and took five years to reach 105,000 vehicles sold. On one hand, the Fathom will commence at a price of $30,000, significantly lower than the Lightning’s pricing history. Conversely, the Lightning benefited from a federal EV tax rebate that is no longer available for buyers. [Wall Street Journal]
⛐ Luis Moya, the Spanish rally co-driver famed for his success alongside Carlos Sainz, has stirred excitement regarding Toyota’s Celica comeback. “Next year might be a little uneventful,” Moya stated about the 2027 WRC season, “but we already know the Toyota team will be featuring a Celica,” adding, “they will be using a Celica as their Rally1 vehicle, along with a Rally2 model.” [Rally Journal via Autoblog]
🚙 Scout has unveiled two new concepts based on the Traveler, showcasing the range of performance options and trim customizations available to owners once the electric SUV launches in 2028. [Scout Motors]
🔩 Tesla has issued an unusually specific recall for 19 Model Y SUVs due to front suspension fasteners not being torqued to the required specifications. [NHTSA]
📉 Volvo has recently ranked 24th out of 32 brands in a dealership satisfaction survey, slipping 14 spots compared to five years ago. Dealerships are encountering inventory issues and rapidly changing sales programs, and the automaker’s software quality challenges haven’t improved matters either. [Automotive News]
🏢 Uber is set to cut 3,300 jobs, amounting to 10% of its workforce, marking the largest layoffs since the COVID-19 pandemic. [Reuters]
🚕 Tesla is hosting a Cybercab launch event in Austin on Thursday at 5:45 p.m. ET, where we may gain more insights into the intriguing two-seat robotaxi. [Reuters]
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**Ford Sets Goal of 100,000 Fathom Sales in Initial Year, While F-150 Lightning Took Five Years: TDS**
Ford Motor Company has established ambitious sales objectives for its newest electric vehicle, the Fathom, targeting 100,000 units in its first year on sale. This ambitious target sharply contrasts with the five-year span required for the F-150 Lightning, Ford’s initial all-electric model of its best-selling pickup truck, to achieve similar sales milestones.
The Fathom is designed as a flexible electric vehicle suited for both urban and rural settings and is a key part of Ford’s larger initiative to hasten its shift towards electric mobility. The company has heavily invested in electric vehicle technologies and infrastructure, acknowledging the rising demand for eco-friendly transportation alternatives.
One crucial aspect boosting Ford’s optimism in reaching the 100,000 sales goal for the Fathom is the growing acceptance of electric vehicles among consumers. With a larger portion of the consumer base prioritizing sustainability and reduced operating costs, Ford suspects that the Fathom’s features, performance, and competitive pricing will appeal strongly to prospective customers.
Aside from consumer trends, Ford is utilizing its vast dealer network and established brand reputation to advocate for the Fathom. The automaker has plans for a comprehensive marketing strategy that emphasizes the vehicle’s groundbreaking technology, safety aspects, and ecological advantages.
Although the F-150 Lightning represented a significant achievement for Ford, it encountered a variety of obstacles during its debut, including supply chain issues and production constraints. These problems led to a slower sales trajectory than what Ford anticipates for the Fathom. Drawing lessons from its experiences with the Lightning, Ford has refined its production procedures and bolstered its supply chain logistics to guarantee a more efficient launch for the Fathom.
Additionally, Ford’s dedication to sustainability goes beyond the vehicles it manufactures. The company is also concentrating on constructing a thorough charging network to aid electric vehicle adoption. This involves collaborations with charging network providers and investments in rapid-charging stations, facilitating easier charging solutions for Fathom owners.
As Ford embarks on this ambitious sales goal, the automotive sector will be keenly observing to see if the company can fulfill its target. The success of the Fathom could serve as a benchmark for other automakers aiming to enter the electric vehicle market and could further affirm Ford’s role as a leader in the move towards electric mobility.
In summary, Ford’s objective of selling 100,000 Fathom units in its first year reflects its confidence in the expanding electric vehicle market and its dedication to innovation. By applying lessons learned from past experiences and investing in supporting infrastructure, Ford is positioned to make a noteworthy impression in the electric vehicle arena.