--- title: "Trump Administration Says Station Wagons Could Make a Comeback: TDS" date: "2025-12-05" modified: "2025-12-05" 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/trump-administration-says-station-wagons-could-make-a-comeback-tds" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # Trump Administration Says Station Wagons Could Make a Comeback: TDS ![2025 Mercedes-Benz E 450 All-Terrain]() Good morning and welcome to *The Downshift*, or *TDS* for short. Light, snappy, and short, *TDS* gathers the latest automotive news from around the globe and puts it all in one place. Stories are summarized in a single, sometimes long, sentence accompanied by a link for those seeking more information. It's been a long day attending the debut of the new Toyota GR GT, GR GT3, and Lexus LFA Concept here in Japan and it's time for dinner. So let's get into it. πŸš™ President Trump's Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that [lowering fuel economy standards could "allow" automakers to resume making station wagons]() like they did in the 1970s, though, he didn't seem to mention whether there suddenly, and magically, would be demand for station wagons again. 🚌 The Federal Government is investigating why Waymo's self-driving taxis have [illegally passed school buses]() 19 times in Austin, Texas since the start of the school year. πŸ”‹ Subaru said [the 2026 Trailseeker will cost $41,445]() and have up to 280 miles of range when it arrives in dealerships early next year. 🐏 Ram released [a cringe-worthy ad for its new cologne]() that's so bad it's funny to the point of laughing out loud. 🌟 Kia's [Vision Meta Turismo concept looks like an electric Stinger]() from the future. πŸ‡ΈπŸ‡¦ Lucid said it will initially [build its mid-size $50,000 Tesla Model Y fighter in Saudi Arabia](), which would enable it to avoid the tariffs on the China-sourced components. 🏎️ Toyota will take over as the [title sponsor for the Haas Formula 1 race team]() in 2026. πŸ€– Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe said the startup automaker's next phase [hinges on the smaller, less expensive R2 and autonomy](), which he said will [reshape the future auto in]()[d]()[ustry]() by 2030. *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]()