Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…
Russia Bans Car Exports, Stellantis, And Hyundai Suspend Operations
Russia is clamping down on exports as it retaliates against western sanctions. Over 200 items have been listed, including telecommunications and medical equipment, vehicles, agricultural machinery, locomotives, and railway cars. Stellantis told CarScoops that it had stopped the import and export of cars from Russia, while Hyundai and Kia have also suspended manufacturing operations.
2023 Acura Integra Detailed In Production Form, Marries 200 HP With Roughly $30,000 Starting Price
Looking predictably similar to the prototype that debuted last fall, the production version of the 2023 Acura Integra has been revealed. The exterior styling remains striking, although the interior appears to borrow heavily from the Honda Civic, including the use of the same screens, switchgear, and air vents. The turbo 1.5-liter engine is also a carry-over from the Civic, and transmission options include both a manual and a CVT. Deliveries are slated to begin this spring, and pricing will start at around $30,000
World’s First Ford Bronco 6×6 From Apocalypse Thinks The Badlands Should Stick To Shopping Malls
More axles equals more fun, right? Well, that’s the theory Florida-based Apocalypse Manufacturing is working with, showcasing their 6×6 Bronco. Boss Joseph Ghattas even shared some video footage with us to prove it wasn’t just a rendering and says that the six-wheeler delivers its power to all six wheels.
Prolonged War In Ukraine Could Be Worse For Economy Than Pandemic, VW CEO Fears
Herbert Diess, Volkswagen Group CEO, has concerns that a prolonged war in Ukraine could have the potential of being even more harmful to the economy than the pandemic. Interruptions to global supply chains “could lead to huge price increases, scarcity of energy, and inflation,” Diess told the Financial Times. “For a society like Germany, depending on Russian energy, raw materials… if you imagine a scenario where we cut off business relations with Russia, which we probably would have to do if this conflict [does not cease], you could not buy energy anymore and this would lead to a situation that might impact Europe and Germany considerably,” Diess said.
BMW Buys Alpina, Brings Long-Time Collaborator In-House
It’s official: BMW has brought Alpina under its wing. The relationship between BMW and Alpina stretches back over 50 years, with the latter creating sporting but luxurious and comfort-focused versions of the former. Alpina’s Buchloe facility will continue to operate its sales, parts, and accessories business, but the car production side of the business will move to one of BMW’s plants.
The mildly revised S60 and V60 have been quietly introduced by Volvo for the 2023 model year. Visual changes are limited to the slightly revised bumper intakes finished in gloss black and the new rear apron with hidden exhaust pipes. We can also see a new wheel design with six spokes. There are new trim levels, too, while the interior sees the introduction of Volvo’s Android-based infotainment system.
Wiesmann Is Building ANew Electric Sports Car Codenamed Project Thunderball
Wiesmann is following up on its promise to unveil a brand new model in 2022, with its first-ever EV. It’s set to go into production alongside the unrelated Project Gecko, although details of the new electric sportscar were kept under wraps.
What Else Is Making The News
Huawei UK Board Members Resign Over Ukraine
Two board members of the UK arm of Huawei have stepped down over the company’s failure to condemn the attacks on Ukraine. The BBC reports that Sir Andrew Cahn and Sir Ken Olisa felt that their positions were untenable.
Google To Send Air Raid Alerts To Android Phones
An adaptation of Google’s earthquake alerts is being used in Ukraine to warn of airstrikes. Android pings will be sent based on alerts from the Ukrainian Government.