--- title: "Automakers Call on EPA To Reduce Emissions Regulations: TDS" description: "Good morning and welcome to *The Downshift*, or *TDS* for short." date: "2025-09-24" modified: "2025-09-24" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/automakers-call-on-epa-to-reduce-emissions-regulations-tds" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # Automakers Call on EPA To Reduce Emissions Regulations: TDS ![Tailpipes]() Good morning and welcome to *The Downshift*, or *TDS* for short. Tight, light, and right, *TDS* gathers the latest automotive news bubbling around the globe and places it all in one central place. Stories are summarized in a single (sometimes long) sentence accompanied by a link for those seeking more information. I just got off an overnight international flight, am running on coffee and a few hours of sleep, so let's get into it. 🚘 What I’m driving: I just rode on an Airbus A320 across the Atlantic, and a 2025 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic All-Terrain is sitting at the airport back in the U.S., awaiting my return. 💨 A group of nearly all the major automakers [asked the Trump administration to roll back looming vehicle emissions limits](), arguing that they are no longer feasible because of new legislation signed by Trump that increases the effective price of EVs and will likely trigger a near-term decline in EV sales. 💸 Americans are now saddled with an incredible amount of [automotive debt to the tune of over $1.6 trillion](), resulting in a rise in auto loan delinquencies, defaults, and repossessions. 💥 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has [delayed tougher crash-test rules]() at the request of automakers, which asked for more time to comply with the tougher standards, citing the new rules lacked published testing procedures; this all comes on the heels of the [new head administrator of NHTSA]() stating he wants to modernize safety standards and encourage innovation that harmonizes technology while modernizing outdates rules. 🏎️ The Genesis GMR-001 [completed its first endurance test session]() at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve as the team inches closer to the targeted launch of a planned race debut in 2026. 👖 Infiniti is using a [robot wrapped in jeans]() to test its leather's durability. ⚡️ Porsche [delayed its software-defined EV platform](), known as SSP Sport, "well into the 2030s" as the automaker pivots back to gas-powered engines due to market shifts. ‼️ Ford [recalled 115,539 heavy-duty trucks]() in the U.S. because a defect could cause the steering column's upper shaft to detach. *Have feedback on the formatting of TDS? Send us a note: tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()