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

Mate Rimac Details The Future Of Bugatti And Sounds Like The Car Guy The Brand Deserves

In an interview with Automotive News Europe, Mate Rimac has opened up on his plans for Bugatti. Now in the hands of the young Rimac CEO, it’s heartening to hear that they won’t just be slapping a Bugatti badge on a Nevera. Instead, he feels that Bugatti should retain the ICE for a little longer (albeit heavily electrified), with bespoke parts being made for the brand’s next supercar.

Automakers Idling Production In Russia In Wake Of Ukraine Invasion

The Russian auto manufacturing industry looks to be a casualty of the nation’s invasion of Ukraine, as several manufacturers look at idling production. Volkswagen said that it would halt production for a few days at two factories following delays in getting parts made in Ukraine. Parts manufacturer Nokian said it would shift product lines out of Russia and the US to prepare for sanctions. And, Avtovaz, the maker of Lada vehicles and Russia’s biggest automaker, announced that it may suspend some assembly lines on Monday due to persistent global shortages of electronic components. However, they, nor co-owners Renault, cited the invasion as a reason.

2025 Peugeot 1008 Could Be The Most Affordable SUV Of The Range

This independent illustration by Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien shows us what a smaller SUV from Peugeot could look like. Following the discontinuation of the 108 city car, a potential 1008 could become the new entry-point in Peugeot’s range, slotting under the larger 2008, 3008, and 5008 SUVs. Meanwhile, rumors circulating indicate that the 1008 could share the CMP architecture with the new Citroen C3 developed for India and South America.

Teslas Top Worldwide EV Google Searches Followed By The VW Group

Tesla’s many news headlines may have something to do with it, but the brand topped worldwide EV Google searches, according to data compiled by partcatalog.com. The VW group came second, with the Audi e-tron the most-searched non-Tesla model. Behind the Audi was the Porsche Taycan, in second, and VW ID.4 in third. In terms of brands, behind Tesla were Rivian and NIO.

Driven: The Honda e Advance Is A Retro-Futuristic Gadget On Four Wheels

There’s no denying the Honda e is a stylish entry into the electric car space — but in an arena that’s starting to heat up, will its cutesy retro-inspired proportions make up for a perceived lack of range? We got the keys to one last week, and found that it’s packed with tech, has an enjoyable chassis, and can be quickly recharged thanks to that small battery. There are drawbacks, including harder than expected interior plastics for the segment and a limited driving range, but it could make a case for itself in an urban cycle as a second car.

Dongfeng Aeolus Yixuan MAX Dark Night Edge Edition Is Coming For The Hyundai Elantra N

The Dongfeng Aeolus Yixuan MAX Dark Night Edge Edition is certainly a mouthful and may look like a badly accessorized callback to the early 2000s. However, it could prove to be a problem for the Hyundai Elantra N (in China at least), as it’s significantly cheaper, starting from ¥117,900 ($18,631), vs the ¥152,100 ($25,350) for the Hyundai ($32,925 in the US).

Watch Tesla Driver Chase Suspected Thief In A Honda CR-V On The Streets Of San Francisco

Here’s a top tip for anyone wanting to steal a car in the Mission Bay neighborhood of San Francisco: if Rich Lee and his Tesla Model Y are anywhere in the vicinity, abort the mission. Lee chased his colleague’s stolen CR-V until the thief gave up and strolled away, by which time authorities could catch up and arrest the suspect.

What Else Is Making The News

Worlds Largest Plane Destroyed 

The Antonov AN-255, the world’s largest aircraft, has been destroyed in the fighting in Ukraine. The news was confirmed by Ukrainian authorities, while costs to rebuild the aircraft are estimated at some $3 billion.

Elon Musk Trolls Russian Space Chief 

According to Business Insider, Russian space chief Dmitry Rogozin suggested that the International Space Station could come crashing down to earth in response to US sanctions. Musk responded by tweeting an image of his company’s logo. Musk appeared to confirm that SpaceX would get involved should the ISS fall out of orbit. A Twitter user asked if that’s what the tech mogul really meant, to which Musk simply replied: “Yes.”