--- title: "Tariffs Have Ruined VWā€™s Growth Plan for the US: TDS" date: "2026-03-10" modified: "2026-03-10" authors: - name: "Adam Ismail" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/adam-ismail" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/tariffs-have-ruined-vws-growth-plan-for-the-us-tds" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # Tariffs Have Ruined VWā€™s Growth Plan for the US: TDS ![13 March 2024, Berlin: Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, speaks at the Volkswagen Group's annual press conference. Group CEO Blume explains the results for VW in 2023 and provides an outlook for 2024 for Europe's largest car manufacturer. Photo: Michael Kappeler/dpa (Photo by Michael Kappeler/picture alliance via Getty Images)]() *\Michael Kappeler/Getty Images\* Good morning and welcome to *[The Downshift]()*, or *TDS* for short. Here you'll find the top automotive industry headlines from around the world, summarized in a sentence or two with links to follow more deeply, if you wish. I'm biased, but I reckon it's a great way to start the day, especially with a hot, caffeinated beverage in your hand. Let's go! šŸš˜ What Iā€™m (still) driving: Today is my final day with the Subaru Ascent I've had for nearly a week now. I think I'll miss it, and especially [its 3.5-millimeter aux jack](). šŸ“ˆ Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume says that the company's longstanding aim of garnering 10% of the U.S. market has "moved further into the future" due to geopolitical headwinds, per *[Automotive News]()*. The manufacturer currently sits at 4% share in the country. šŸ’µ [Porsche has introduced]() a new Cayenne S Electric grade, slotting between the base model and Turbo, for $128,650. It'll offer 536 horsepower and the same 113-kWh battery as the other trims. šŸ’ø The 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC will start at $108,485, and the Track Pack at $144,985, *[Car and Driver]()* reports. šŸ”§ NHTSA's Office of Defect Investigations has received 48 complaints from Acura TLX and MDX owners that the cars' all-wheel-drive systems could suddenly fail to work as intended, reverting to front-wheel drive; the department is looking into the matter, per *[Autoblog]()*. šŸ“– [Chrysler has officially opened orders]() for the 2027 Pacifica minivan, with its sharper, facelifted front end. ā›½ Alpine has developed the platform for its next-generation A110 sports car to support an internal-combustion engine after all, *[Autocar]()* reports. This is an important development because the brand had been committed to keeping the A110 electric-only up until now, and it opens the door to a potential gas-powered version. šŸ‘” Modular electric truck startup Slate has hired ex-Amazon exec Peter Faricy as its new CEO, *[Newsweek]()* reports. *Got a tip or feedback? Reach out to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Adam is a Senior Editor at The Drive, concentrating on curating and developing the site's slate of daily journalism, from initial pitch to final copy edit. When he's not at his desk researching leads and working with writers, he's testing vehicles or reviewing racing games, new and old. He joined The Drive in 2023, following seven years of covering consumer technology and cars. A car lover and gamer since his earliest memories, Adam came to know the automotive world through video games. First it was Daytona USA, Sega Rally, and Ridge Racer; then came Need For Speed, which inspired an encyclopedic knowledge of '90s supercars, and, of course, Gran Turismo. If not for them, he'd assuredly be doing something else right now. Adam is based in the suburbs outside Philly, where there are ample roads for his hot hatch to stretch its legs. In his car, he's probably listening to indie rock, drum and bass, or Yankees baseball. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()