FAST NEWS - Hubshop's Weekly Roundup / Week #16

1. Performance Releases & New Products

• Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce - The Press Drives: The sporty version of the small Italian SUV made its track debut this week. With 280 hp and a Torsen limited-slip differential, it establishes itself as the new dynamic benchmark in the electric B-SUV segment, ahead of the Alpine A290.
• Dacia Sandero "Zenith": Dacia unveiled a high-end limited edition of the Sandero on April 10. For the first time, it features Level 2 driver assistance systems and an interior trim made with 40% recycled materials, while staying under the €18,000 mark.
• Audi A6 e-tron - Record Range: The first long-distance homologation tests confirm that the sedan exceeds 750 km WLTP. Audi begins dealer deliveries this Monday to challenge the dominance of the Mercedes EQE.

2. Global News & Automaker Market

• Charging Price War: Following Lidl's offensive last week, Tesla responded on April 11 by cutting "Supercharging" rates by 15% for subscribers in France. The price per kWh drops below €0.35 during certain time slots.
• Ford Scales Back on EVs: Jim Farley (CEO) announced a further postponement of some all-electric models planned for 2026 in favor of hybrid powertrains. Ford plans to double its hybrid engine production capacity by the end of the year to meet demand in the American and European markets.
• AI at the Dealership: This week, the Stellantis group is rolling out a new artificial intelligence tool on a large scale in its service departments to diagnose complex faults in real time, reducing vehicle downtime by 30%.

3. Motorsport - Showdown at the Top in Croatia and F1 Rumors

• ⭐ WRC - Thierry Neuville Wins in Croatia: The Belgian driver (Hyundai) claimed a masterful victory yesterday, April 12, on the slippery asphalt of Zagreb. He finished just 3.2 seconds ahead of Elfyn Evans (Toyota) after a legendary "Power Stage". Sébastien Ogier rounds out the podium.
• F1 - The Driver Market Heats Up: After Antonelli's explosive start to the season at Mercedes, rumors are sending Max Verstappen to Aston Martin for 2027. The three-time world champion, frustrated by the reliability issues of his Red Bull-Ford early this year, has reportedly opened talks with Lawrence Stroll.
• WEC - 6 Hours of Imola: The teams are arriving in Italy for the second round of the endurance championship. All eyes will be on Ferrari on home soil after Porsche's dominant display at the season opener.

4. Upcoming Auto Events & Must-See Dates

• Shanghai Auto Show Opens (April 20): The automotive world will have its eyes fixed on China next week. Major announcements are expected from Xiaomi and BYD regarding their new solid-state batteries.
• Used Car Flash Sale (April 15-18): Several major French dealer networks are launching "Spring Clearance" events to move the trade-ins taken in at the start of the year.
• Miami Grand Prix (May 3): F1 returns in three weeks after the enforced break in April. The teams are using the time to test new aero upgrades in the wind tunnel.

5. Performance Pick of the Week

Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) in Croatia: Under immense pressure after Toyota's one-two-three in Kenya, the Belgian showed total control. This win puts him back at the top of the world championship standings and completely revives interest in the 2026 WRC. Neuville finally seems to have both the car and the mindset to clinch his first world title.

See you next week for the first insider news from the Shanghai Auto Show!