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

All Volkswagen R Models Will Be Fully Electric By 2030

While Volkswagen will be going all-EV by 2035, its performance sub-brand, Volkswagen R, will be taking the EV-only plunge some five years earlier, from 2030. We’re yet to see a production all-electric R from VW, but as reported by Autocar, there are several ID models in the planning stages.

Ford Confirms Fiesta’s Demise In 2023, Will Be Replaced By An Electric Puma

It’s time to say goodbye to the Fiesta, with the current generation being the last in the line of a series that has been in production since 1976. Ford announced the news with an emotional goodbye video that no doubt tugged on the heartstrings of anyone who has owned one. The replacement entry point to Ford will instead be the upcoming Puma EV.

Another Brand New DeLorean Is Coming From A Totally Different Company

While we’ve already heard of and seen the upcoming Alpha5 from the Delorean Motor Company, there’s another car in the works from a completely different brand: DeLorean Next Generation Motors. DNG Motors was formed by Kat DeLorean, daughter of the infamous John Z Delorean. The company says its preparing to launch a new car named the Model JDZ, with no relation to the DeLorean Motor Company.

Audi To Field Works Team In Formula 1 Partnering With Sauber From 2026

Audi has revealed the final details of its entry in Formula 1, announcing that it won’t just be a power-unit supplier, but will field a factory-backed works team in partnership with Sauber. The German team will make its appearance on the grid from 2026, with its own drivetrain, while Sauber will manage the chassis development and operations. Sauber is currently running under the Alfa Romeo Racing banner, but that arrangement will come to a close at the end of the 2023 season.

This GMC Sierra EV Promo Sketch From GM Design Was Photoshopped Off A Rivian R1T Image

A photo posted to the official Instagram account of General Motors Design seemed to depict sketches of the all-new GMC Sierra EV. However, upon closer inspection, many commenters soon noticed that the image looked remarkably similar to a shot of the Rivian R1T, which was tweaked just a bit — but not enough to go unnoticed. It wasn’t long before GM realized the blunder, and took the photo down, but not before it was screengrabbed by a reader who wishes to remain anonymous.

Mercedes Withdraws From Russia, But Will Keep A Stake In Kamaz Trucks And Ford Exits Russia, Sells All Assets After Seven Month Hiatus

Both Mercedes-Benz and Ford have announced their plans to exit Russia. The former will sell shares it holds in local subsidiaries but will retain a 15 percent stake in Kamaz Trucks. It comes after Mercedes’ production was suspended in March following the invasion of Ukraine. Ford, who also halted production seven months ago, will follow suit, by selling its 49 percent stake in the Sollers Ford venture.

What Else Is Making The News

Apple Raises Prices For Apple TV, Apple Music, and Apple One

Apple has decided to increase the charges of its subscription services, reports GSM Arena. Apple TV+ will increase by $2 per month (if you pay monthly) or $10 per year (if you pay yearly). Apple Music’s price hike is $1 for individuals and $2 for families, thus, the new prices are $10.99 per month for the individual plan and $16.99 per month for the family plan.

Samsung Appoints Convicted Heir As Executive Chairman

Samsung has appointed Lee Jae-Yong as its executive chairman. Lee was convicted of bribery and embezzlement in 2017 but received a special presidential pardon in 2021, citing national interests reports BBC News. Lee’s grandfather founded Samsung, and the appointment is seen as an effort to turn around the fortunes of the company, which has seen a recent drop in profitability.