Good morning and welcome to our weekly digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…

Korean Cars And Other Products May Not Be Subject To U.S. Export Ban Against Russia

The war in Ukraine has caused disruption for the region’s automotive industry, with many manufacturers stopping production in Russia, as well as exports and sales. However, the Hyundai Motor Group brands, namely Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, may not stop production. Later, South Korean government officials signaled that consumer goods such as automobiles, smartphones, and washing machines are exempt from the U.S. export ban against Russia. Hyundai and Kia count for 22.3 percent of sales in Russia, with multiple plants stationed in the country.

New Polestar O2 Concept Is A Sexy Convertible Evolution Of The Precept

In an effort to further distance the Polestar brand from its Volvo roots, the O2 concept is a sexy 2+2 convertible that we hope makes production. The O2 features a striking design that builds off of the Precept concept that was shown earlier as a potential Taycan-challenger.

Rivan Backtracks On Price Hike In Face Of Customer Outrage, But New Buyers Will Still Pay More

In the face of a tidal wave of outcry from upset reservation holders, Rivian has announced that the R1T and R1S price hikes won’t apply to those who made an order before March 1. It was also confirmed that anyone who canceled their order in response to their price increases could reinstate it and pay the original amount.

2023 Jeep EV And Another Ram 1500 BEV Teaser Revealed At Stellantis Roadmap Event

Stellantis has a bold new roadmap, which includes introducing 25 new all-electric cars for the US and 75 different EVs globally. Also revealed at the event held for its “Dare Forward 2030” blueprint, was an all-new fully-electric Jeep SUV. The unnamed car will go on sale in early 2023. Another eagerly awaited addition to the group’s EV lineup will be the Ram 1500 BEV. Teasers of the new pickup were kept vague, but according to Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, the vehicle will go on sale in 2024.

Ford Splits Up ICE And EV Divisions Into ‘Ford Blue’ And ‘Ford Model e’

It’s been a big week for the American auto industry, as in addition to Stellantis’ latest plan reveal, Ford has announced that it’s splitting up its automotive business. The two companies will be named Ford Blue and Ford Model e, with the former taking care of ICE vehicles and the latter encompassing electric cars and digital connectivity. Ford Model e will take care of software engineering, design, and UX, as well as EV platforms and associated tech, while Ford Blue will continue to take care of legacy ICE models such as the F-150 and Mustang and will also develop brand and vehicle experiences.

2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE: Everything We Know About The “One Size Fits All” Coupe And Cabriolet

Although coupes and cabriolets have fallen out of favor, these speculative illustrations from Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien show us what a rumored new CLE from Mercedes-Benz could look like. The CLE could replace the gap left by discontinuing the C-Class and E-Class two-door variants, with our spies having caught prototypes undergoing testing in the past.

Facelifted 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Caught Out In The Open With Tonale-Style Headlamps

This could be our first image of a facelifted Alfa Romeo Stelvio spied on the streets. The 2023 Stelvio was captured and shared on various social media channels, including Alfistitalia and Reddit. The test car appears to be lightly disguised with a pair of Tonale-like triple-unit headlamps and could sport some minor changes to the front bumper as well.

Galpin’s Take On A Retro Ford Bronco Is Just Wonderful

Forget the Raptor, this retro-inspired take on the Ford Bronco has won our hearts. Tweaked by the team from Galpin Auto Sports, the Bronco now sports pinstriping down both sides, new lettering, and a tweaked Ford badge at the rear. Galpin has also slotted on a set of 17-inch Pro Comp Series 69 polished wheels wrapped in the standard 35-inch Goodyear tires. A pair of small LED A-pillar lights from Baja Designs have also been fitted. The body is painted in intriguing Eruption Green, while the roof, front grille, and badges are painted in Avorio Beige.

What Else Is Making The News

Elon Musk Mocks Russian “Broomstick” Suggestion 

Tensions between Russia and the rest of the world are rising day by day, and with fresh sanctions imposed, Russia announced they would stop selling rocket engines to the U.S. Dmitry Rogozin, the head of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, suggested that America may have to use “their broomsticks” to fly. In response, Elon Musk tweeted “American Broomstick” after a successful SpaceX launch.

Fitbit Recalls Ionic Watch For Skin Burns

Fitbit is recalling its Ionic watch, which has seen sales of around 1.7 million globally, after it received over 170 reports of overheating lithium batteries. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said it was aware of 78 reports of burn injuries in the US, 40 reports internationally, and two reports of third-degree burns from an overheating battery. Those who have purchased the watch will be given a refund of $299 and a discount on a replacement product.