FAST NEWS - The Hubshop Weekly Update / Week #17

1. New Releases & Performance and Product News

• Mercedes Baby G-Class - First details revealed: The three-pointed star brand stepped up communication this week around its upcoming electric "baby" G-Wagon. Due in 2026, it will inherit the off-road DNA of the G 580 EQ in a compact format, aiming to become the lifestyle icon of the year.
• DS N°8 Long Range test drive: The first press reviews published on April 17 are unanimous: the new French flagship SUV sets records for real-world efficiency. Thanks to its "high sedan" profile and next-generation battery, it stands out as a serious alternative to the German benchmarks for high-mileage drivers.
• Fiat Topolino at €15,000: Stellantis is preparing a new offensive with three low-priced electric mini city cars. The Topolino, which can be driven from age 14, spearheads this strategy aimed at making zero-emission urban mobility accessible to all.

2. Global News & Automaker Market

• Stellantis' Poissy plant is transforming: The group has announced a €100 million investment to secure the future of its historic site. Following Renault's lead with Flins, Poissy will shift toward a circular economy (vehicle refurbishment, battery recycling) while potentially hosting assembly lines for its new Chinese partners such as Leapmotor or Dongfeng.
• Ford confirms its return to the Paris Motor Show: It has been official since April 17: the American automaker will be in Paris in October 2026. Ford plans to display its motorsport models (Dakar, WRC, F1) to highlight its "Adventure & Performance" shift.
• Stellantis & Microsoft - AI alliance: A five-year partnership has been signed to integrate generative artificial intelligence extensively into the group's vehicles and industrial processes, aiming to accelerate the development of onboard software.

3. Motorsport - Katsuta, New King of the WRC, and the F1 Break

• ⭐ WRC - Takamoto Katsuta leads the world championship: Following his commanding win in Croatia (April 12), the Japanese driver takes the lead of the championship with 81 points. He is ahead of his teammate Elfyn Evans (74 pts). Toyota is literally crushing the manufacturers' standings with 206 points versus 141 for Hyundai.
• F1 - A busy spring break: With the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs in April, the teams have returned to their factories. The "new championship" will truly begin in Miami on May 3, where almost all teams plan to bring major aerodynamic upgrades to counter the early dominance of Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes).
• Sébastien Ogier takes a step back: The French champion sits 6th in the championship after Croatia. Although still fast, he appears to be prioritizing a support role to help Toyota lock down the world titles.

4. Upcoming Auto Events & Must-See Dates

• Auto China 2026 (April 24 - May 03): The Beijing Motor Show opens its doors next Friday. Under the theme of "intelligence," BYD and Xiaomi are expected to present production-ready Level 3 autonomous driving technologies.
• Musée de l'Aventure Peugeot: A temporary exhibition on movie and TV cars has just opened in Sochaux, ideal for an enthusiast outing this weekend.
• Miami GP preview (May 03): The first rumors about the new sidepods on the Red Bull-Ford are starting to circulate, with the team having a lot riding on this return to racing.

5. Performance Pick of the Week

Takamoto Katsuta's triumph: By taking the lead of the world championship after four rounds, the Japanese driver proves he is no longer just a prospect but a serious title contender. His win on the treacherous asphalt of Croatia shows a new maturity that could well shake up the established pecking order at Toyota by the end of the season.

See you next week for the first big reveals from the Beijing Motor Show!