Skip to content

Automakers Toyota, Mazda, and JLR are lagging behind in the competitive field of software-defined vehicles, according to Technology Development Services (TDS) report.

In a surprising turn of events, it's evident that Tesla, along with Chinese competitors, Rivian, and Lucid, are at the forefront in the competition for vehicles defined by cutting-edge software.

Automakers Toyota, Mazda, and JLR are lagging behind in the competition for software-defined...
Automakers Toyota, Mazda, and JLR are lagging behind in the competition for software-defined vehicles, as per TDS report.

Automakers Toyota, Mazda, and JLR are lagging behind in the competitive field of software-defined vehicles, according to Technology Development Services (TDS) report.

In this week's edition of The Downshift (TDS), we bring you the latest news from the automotive world.

First off, Ford is making a significant shift in its production line. The company is discontinuing the Ford Escape to make way for its new $30,000 mid-size electric truck at the Louisville, Kentucky plant. This move is part of Ford's strategy to focus on electric vehicles (EVs) and compete in the rapidly growing EV market.

In other news, Tesla's executive exodus continues with the director of service leaving the company after nine years. The reason for the departure is not yet clear.

Now, let's delve into some insights from Gartner Vice President of Research Pedro Pacheco. According to Pacheco, Tesla, Chinese automakers such as Nio, Xiaomi, and Rivian, and Lucid are winning in the race into the future of software-defined vehicles. On the other hand, traditional legacy automakers like Toyota, Mazda, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), Ford, and Renault are struggling to keep up. Tesla ranks first for the third consecutive year, leading in software capability, corporate culture, leadership, and monetizing software, benefiting from CEO Elon Musk’s tech expertise. Chinese newcomers such as Nio, Xiaomi, and Li Auto are making significant strides by focusing heavily on software, technology talent, and new vehicle platforms.

In the realm of EV charging infrastructure, funding is not dead and is now coming back online. It is claimed that the slashing of "red tape" has occurred, which should expedite the process of building charging stations across the country.

Moving on, Ford has recalled more than 103,000 F-150 trucks due to a potential issue with axle bolts that may break, potentially causing vehicle rollaways or loss of drive power.

Lastly, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator L Black Label has been replaced by a sporty electric crossover in the latest edition of TDS.

Don't forget to check out The Downshift (TDS) for a quick, easy-to-digest rundown of the latest automotive news. It's meant to be read with a Pop-Tart and coffee. Feedback on TDS is encouraged, so don't hesitate to share your thoughts with us via the comments section or email at tips@our website.

General Motors is also planning a renewed push into self-driving cars, and we'll be sure to keep you updated on that development. Stay tuned for more updates next week!

  1. General Motors is set to re-enter the self-driving cars industry with a renewed push, a development we will continue monitoring.
  2. The automotive business is witnessing a rapid shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), with Ford focusing on EVs to compete in the growing EV market.
  3. The growing EV industry is not limiting investments to vehicles alone, as funding for EV charging infrastructure is coming back online, with claims that red tape has been slashed, expediting the process of building charging stations across the country.

Read also:

    Latest