--- title: "BMW M Launching 30 Cars in 30 Months, But CEO Says Manual Is on Life Support: TDS" date: "2026-02-19" modified: "2026-02-19" 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/bmw-m-ceo-launching-30-new-cars-in-30-months-but-manual-is-on-life-support-tds" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # BMW M Launching 30 Cars in 30 Months, But CEO Says Manual Is on Life Support: TDS ![BMW M Electrified]() Good morning and welcome to *The Downshift*, or *TDS* for short. Quick, tight, and focused, *TDS* gathers the latest automotive headlines from around the globe and places them in one spot. Stories are summarized in a single sentence accompanied by a link for those seeking more information. 🚨 [Episode 4]() of *The Drivecast*, [*The Drive*'s podcast](), was released yesterday. You can stream it on your favorite podcast platform, including [Spotify]() and [Apple Podcasts](), and of course, you can always listen to episodes right here on *The Drive* via the podcast tab on the homepage menu bar. It snowed, and winter returned to Minnesota. The first cup of coffee is underway, and the weekend is in sight. Let's get into it. 🚘 What I’m driving: Spending time with the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid and am happy to report that multiple recalibrations and TSBs for this electrified powertrain have indeed smoothed out the shifts and handoff between electric-only and hybrid power. But it's still not fully polished, yet. πŸ†• BMW M division CEO Frank Van Meel said the German automaker's high-performance team is "working on [30 new models that will come out in the next two and a half years](), so we're quite busy right now.;" those models will include gas, plug-in hybrid, and electric only powertrains, but the manual transmission is on life support as Van Meel said, "from an engineering standpoint, the manual doesn't really make sense because it limits you in torque and also in fuel consumption." πŸ“Έ The [electric Ferrari Luce has been spotted]() undergoing cold-weather testing on public roads. 🚨 [Nissan recalled 642,698 Rogue SUVs]() as part of two separate recalls due to issues that could cause a loss of drive power. 🀺 California and President Trump are [headed towards a showdown with a lawsuit]() that has the state alleging Trump illegally stripped the state's power to restrict auto pollution; if California wins, automakers could deal with conflicting federal and state regulations. πŸ“Ί [Apple CarPlay will support Apple TV]() and other video sources for playback on vehicles' built-in screens in the future. πŸ§‘β€πŸŽ¨ [Volkswagen Group has a new design boss ]()with Andreas Mindt taking over on March 1, 2026, for Michael Mauer, who is stepping down from the role as part of a planned generational handover. πŸ•οΈ BMW's M division boss Frank Van Meel said the team ["wouldn't say no" to a high-performance off-roader](); BMW's [planning a Mercedes-Benz G-Class competitor](). πŸ“± Tesla's reportedly [held back its adoption of Apple CarPlay]() due to a need for changes in iOS 26's Maps app. *Got a news tip or feedback? Drop us a line at 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]()