The Tesla Cybertruck has just become $10,000 more expensive. This is the highlight of this morning’s automotive news summary, The Downshift (TDS), which compiles the latest information into one sentence with a link for more details.
Automaker News
Tesla Removes Its Entry-Level Model
A few months after its launch at $69,999, Tesla has removed the rear-wheel drive, single-motor version of the Cybertruck. This decision automatically raises the base price to $79,999 for the dual-motor, all-wheel drive model.
Statements from Top Executives
Audi: The Group CEO stated that “the electric car is simply a better technology” and that he does not know “of any better technology than the electric car to reduce CO2 emissions in transport in the coming years.” He called competitors’ fights against future European regulations “counterproductive.”
Tesla: A board member praised Elon Musk as “a generational leader,” essential for guiding the company in the coming decade.
General Motors: CEO Mary Barra reaffirmed that electric vehicles remain the automaker’s “North Star,” displaying a “no-regrets” mindset regarding the future roadmap.
Recalls and Rumors
Toyota is recalling approximately 591,000 vehicles (including Venza, Crown, RAV4, Camry, Tacoma, and some Lexus models) due to an issue with the 12.3-inch touchscreen that may remain black on startup.
Mercedes-Benz: Chief Technology Officer Markus Schaefer denied rumors that the German automaker would use BMW engines in its future models, stating that “there is no truth to it.”
Upcoming Releases
Stellantis: CEO Antonio Filosa confirmed the launch of a mid-size Ram pickup in 2027, describing it as “beautiful” and “simply incredible,” with “very good” technical specifications.
BMW: Despite removing most physical buttons in its new cars, BMW confirmed it will retain a physical volume button. The automaker’s data shows that a vast majority of customers use it.