--- title: "Mercedes-Benz Is About To Enter a New Design Era: TDS" description: "Good morning and welcome to *The Downshift*, or *TDS* for short." date: "2025-12-18" modified: "2025-12-18" 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/mercedes-benz-is-about-to-enter-a-new-design-era-tds" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # Mercedes-Benz Is About To Enter a New Design Era: TDS ![Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic: Das skulpturale Exterieur in tiefschwarzer Hochglanzlackierung. Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic: The sculptural exterior in deep black high-gloss finish.]() *\Mercedes-Benz Group AG\* Good morning and welcome to *The Downshift*, or *TDS* for short. Light, short, and snappy, *TDS* gathers the latest automotive news from around the globe and puts it in one place. Stories are accompanied by a link for those seeking more information. The first cup of coffee is underway so let's get into it. ๐Ÿš˜ What Iโ€™m driving: Still spending time in the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid and the average fuel economy is climbing higher the more time spent behind the wheel. Particularly interested in seeing how much fuel this thing sips by the end of the week as ambient temps hovering in the 30s drop into single digits. โœ๏ธ The design language at Mercedes-Benz is about to undergo one of the largest shifts of the last 18 years as a new design boss takes over; Gorden Wagener will step down from his position as head of design for the automaker on January 31, which is [said to be at his request and a mutual parting of ways]() between the company and designer, closing out this chapter in Mercedes' design history. ๐Ÿš• Waymo is discussing [raising more than $15 billion at a valuation said to be near $100 billion]() in a new financing round led by its parent company, Alphabet Inc. ๐Ÿ›ฐ๏ธ Tesla filed a patent that reveals how the automaker could [integrate Starlink internet connectivity]() into future models. ๐Ÿ“‰ Jeep is on the verge of [ending a six-year U.S. sales decline]() with a plan of simplifying its lineup with fewer configurations, more content, updated models, and a gas-powered version of its EVs. ๐Ÿค– GM is [deploying a test fleet of test vehicles with eyes-off hands-off driver-assist technology]() as part of its latest strategy pivot to focus on self-driving personal vehicles rather than robotaxis. ๐Ÿชฆ The [final Ford Escape rolled off the production line]() in Louisville and Blue Oval dealers are worried about the death of what was called the automaker's "bread and butter" of the lineup disappearing; dealers called the crossover a "big seller" and "part of the affordable segment" when trying to reach new buyers, which Ford seems to be aiming for with its upcoming $30,000 midsize electric pickup truck that's being billed as revolutionary. *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 youโ€™re reading this heโ€™s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()