The New Mitsubishi Montero Will Be Launching Soon: TDS

      Stefan Baldauf / SB-Medien

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      Good morning and welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short.

      Concise and direct, TDS collects the most recent automotive news from around the world and organizes it in one place. Each story is summarized in a single sentence, with a link for those who want to learn more.

      We're back! Welcome to TDS, and happy new year. Indeed, two weeks ago I underwent spine surgery. It feels fantastic to be back at my desk and here with you. While I still have some limitations and a recovery path ahead, I am (literally) back behind the wheel. I'm genuinely grateful and excited to return to work and ready for the team to take on the major stories as we head into the new year.

      The first cup of coffee is finished, and I've already poured a second. Now it’s time to rev things up!

      🚘 What I’m driving: Believe it or not, just one week post-surgery, I was back on the road, though with some restrictions. I spent the past week with the 2025 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter, and I must say, a body-on-frame SUV equipped with ARB Old Man Emu suspension components and 33-inch all-terrain tires is quite an experience to drive after spine surgery.

      🇯🇵 Although it shouldn't be labeled as such, the imminent return of the Mitsubishi Montero is suggested by a teaser video released by the automaker.

      ⌨️ Volkswagen has honored its commitment by reintroducing buttons along with retro-styled gauges and controls in a digital format with the launch of the ID Polo; these buttons and vintage interfaces are expected to be implemented throughout the lineup as models are updated.

      🇨🇳 BYD from China claimed victory in the EV sales competition in 2025, as Tesla saw a decline in sales for the second consecutive year.

      🪦 The Fisker Karma, which was transformed into the Karma Revero, has now officially ceased production, and its legacy will continue with the Karma Gysera, which is still a well-known EREV under a new name.

      🎛️ BMW has assumed complete ownership of the Alpina performance brand and will manage the iconic nameplate’s operations.

      💰 Rolls-Royce intends to ramp up production of bespoke vehicles for the ultra-wealthy as the demand for its electric Spectre coupe declines.

      🧾 In the coming weeks, Porsche's stake in Bugatti may be sold to HOF Capital and BlueFive Capital for over €1 billion ($1.2 billion).

      🚨 Audi has recalled 27,768 vehicles, including select 2025 models such as the SQ6 E-Tron, SQ6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 Sportback E-Tron, A6, A5, A6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 E-Tron, S5, and S6 Sportback E-Tron due to an issue where the automatic locking retractor may not engage when a child seat is installed using the seat belt.

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