Says High Gas Prices Have Driven Small-Car Shift Faster Than Expected: TDS

Rising fuel costs are accelerating a shift toward smaller, more affordable vehicles faster than analysts expected, according to The Downshift. Duncan Aldred, GM North America president, notes a pronounced shrinkage of demand for pickups and large SUVs, with room for growth in economical segments. The piece also flags BMW’s profit warning, which hammered its shares by about 7% as it trimmed expectations to 1–3% operating profit from 4–6%. Europe opened earlier i3 orders, Ford issued a recall for 2015–2018 Focus and 2013–2016 Fusion with the 1.0-liter Fox engine, and Rivian announced layoffs under 2% while employing just over 15,000. The broader picture shows a reshaping market amid cost volatility.