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

Nikola Founder Trevor Milton Indicted For Fraud By U.S. Department Of Justice

Nikola founder Trevor Milion has been charged with three counts of fraud. He’s accused of misleading investors on nearly all aspects of the electric truck startup. The charges follow an investigation the Securities and Exchange Commission launched into the company and its CEO in September 2020.

2022 Chevrolet Traverse Priced From $34,395, Tops Out At $54,595

The chip crisis may have delayed the Traverse, but prices for Chevrolet’s crossover-SUV have been revealed. Now a 2022 model, the previous base model has been dropped, making the entry point $3,400 dearer than the outgoing model. However, the 2022 Traverse includes new LED headlights, fog light surrounds, and restyled taillights connected by a chrome bar, plus more interior updates.

New 2022 Land Rover Defender Trophy Edition Evokes Memories Of The Camel Trophy

Evoking memories of the unforgettable Camel Trophy Defenders of old, Land Rover is building 220 U.S-only “Trophy Editions.” They will each feature an expedition roof rack, a front under-shield, a deployable ladder, a winch installation kit, mud flaps, an integrated air compressor, and deep-sided rubber mats. Buyers will be able to take part in one-day off-road competitions, with the winners invited to the UK leg of the challenge.

Paper License Plates Coming To Washington After Metal Plate Shortage

Shortages abound, with the pandemic responsible for the reduced supply of everything from toilet paper to high-tech chips. One thing we’d never have predicted be impacted though is Washington’s struggle to supply license plates. To combat this, the state will instead supply paper plates with a validity period of 60 days.

New Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition Has An Eco-Friendly And Sustainable Interior

Bentley’s new Flying Spur Hybrid is being celebrated with a limited run of uber-luxury examples that focus on sustainability. It’s not exactly the vegan ‘n’ green approach you might expect. For starters, there’s still leather, and the carpets can be upgraded to lambswool. But the materials are said to have been selected for their sustainability and long-term durability.

Porsche SE Is Investing In A Rocket-Building Firm

While the headlines have been dominated by Bezos, Musk, and Branson, all vying for supremacy in their own little space race, Porsche Automobil Holding SE (the holding company that has a stake in VW… Which in turn owns Porsche AG, the carmaker — confusing, we know) has announced a new investment in Isar Aerospace. Isar Aerospace is developing the Spectrum rocket which is expected to launch into space in 2022 and focuses on producing launch vehicles for satellites.

McLaren 650S Spider Driver Reminded That Lane Splitting Doesn’t Work In Cars

https://youtu.be/Rk2mjudhVKg

One McLaren driver found that their 641 hp supercar can do just about anything… except shrink. Seen to be squeezing through traffic and undertaking a Kia Stonic, the Korean crossover turns into the path of the unsighted Mclaren, damaging both vehicles in the process.

What Else Is Making The News?

Scarlett Johansson Is Suing Disney

It’s a pretty gutsy move to sue the house of mouse. But, Johansson is unhappy with how Black Widow, was released, reports the Financial Times. Johansson was allegedly promised that the movie would have a theatres-only release, whereby the movie is only available in cinemas before being available to stream. But with the pandemic forcing moviegoers to reconsider, Black Widow was available on Dinsey+ in a dual release strategy. Disney contests the claims, saying that their approach significantly added to the $20m the actress has already received for the film.

Never Gonna Give You Up Crosses 1bn YouTube Views

On its 34th anniversary to the week, Rick Astley’s ‘Never Gonna Give You Up,’ has crossed 1 billion views on YouTube. The song was popular when it was released, but received a second boost in the internet age as it became the basis of a popular prank, where users are tricked into clicking a link that directs them to the video — Aka ‘Rickrolling’.