--- title: "Mazda, Once the Loudest Critic of Touchscreens, Now Says They’re Safer Than Buttons: TDS" date: "2026-06-18" modified: "2026-06-18" 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/mazda-once-the-loudest-critic-of-touchscreens-now-says-theyre-safer-than-buttons-tds" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # Mazda, Once the Loudest Critic of Touchscreens, Now Says They’re Safer Than Buttons: TDS ![2026 Mazda CX-5]() *\   \* Good morning. Welcome to *[The Downshift]()*, or TDS for short, *The Drive*'s morning news roundup that gathers all the largest automotive stories from around the globe and places them in one spot. Here's a distillation of what's bubbling accompanied by links for full stories for those seeking more information as we shift into Thursday, June 18, 2026. 🔊 The [latest episode]() of *[The Drivecast]()*, *The Drive’s* new weekly podcast, is now live on [Apple Podcasts](), [Spotify](), and wherever you get your podcasts. 📱 Mazda, the automaker that swore up and down touchscreens were dangerous and distracting while buttons were safer, has changed its tune; the Japanese automaker's [program manager for the CX-5, Koichiro Yamaguchi, said](), "Air conditioning, you can operate with a finger, and if we have to put the physical button, that will be at the lower position. Then the driver has to look down, and \[there are\] 15 similar looking switches. That means that you rather have to look down and select the correct button—actually, requires the driver \[to take eyes\] off the road. So rather than that, it's better to have this control on the screen—minimize this change \[distraction\]." 🐏 Ram is aiming for 60% sales growth by 2030 as part of [Stellantis' turnaround efforts](); this would [have the truck maker top Jeep]() as the company's volume leader in North America and become its most important brand. 🇺🇸 Jaguar Land Rover is reportedly looking at [building vehicles at U.S.-based Stellantis factories]() including a U.S.-focused Defender to avoid import tariffs. 🇺🇸 Ford's latest Super Duty debut [features a Proud to Honor Package]() that is a rolling tribute to America if America was a stick-on graphics package. 🐴 Ferrari, shocking no one, is reportedly [nudging its clients to buy the Luce EV]() if they want to move up and make the wait lists for its more exclusive gas-powered models. 🔋 The [Jeep Recon's EPA rating surfaced]() as 222 miles of range per charge; shocking no one, it appears the Recon will not be efficient, or have impressive range, despite its large 100-kWh battery pack. 🔌 Telo's tiny electric truck is going to have the ability to charge surprisingly fast thanks to tech that will split the 400-volt battery pack in a parallel configuration [enabling a 400-kW peak charge rate ]()on an 800-volt charger. 🏎️ The first [GMA T.50s Niki Lauda supercar debuted](), and it's a stunner. 🚕 [Waymo recalled nearly 4,000 self-driving robotaxis]() to stop them from driving into highway construction zones. 🚖 Uber plans to [bring its premium robotaxi service]() to Houston, Texas in 2027. *Got a tip? Send 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]()