Volkswagen’s latest Mk 8 version of the GTI hot hatchback will come to the USA in late 2021 as a 2022 model. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.

Today’s headlines: 

+   Detroit’s three automakers will restart production in their assembly plants next week with newly developed safety protocols in place to protect against the COVID-19 virus. More at The Detroit News. 

+   Tesla plans to introduce a new low-cost, long-life battery in in China later this year or early next that could bring the cost of electric vehicles into line with gasoline models. More at Business Insider. 

+   In U.S. District Court Detroit, former United Auto Workers (UAW) President Gary Jones pleaded not guilty to charges that he embezzled more than $1 million in union funds. More at Reuters. 

+   McLaren Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz will join Ferrari on a two-year contract to replace Sebastian Vettel, who was unable to come to terms with the Italian team. More at Racer. Meanwhile, the vacant seat at McLaren will be filled by Daniel Ricciardo. More at Racer. 

+   In advance of its official unveiling next week, Porsche is teasing images of its new Targa variant on the 992 platform 911 series, which was initially set to debut in Beijing. More at Autoblog. 

+   The new Mk 8 version of the Volkswagen GTI performance hatchback will arrive the USA in late 2021 as a 2022 model, while the current Mk 7 will carry on through 2021. More at Car and Driver. 

+   Cruise, General Motors’ majority owned self-driving vehicle unit, informed employees that it will be cutting around 8 percent of its workforce, mainly in recruiting and human resources. More at CNBC. 

+   The World of Speed Motorsports Museum in Wilsonville, Oregon, temporarily shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic, will now be permanently closed, management announced. More at Hemmings Daily. 

+   Rentals of recreational vehicles are up 650 percent as Americans plan summer vacations that incorporate social distancing to protect against the COVID-19 outbreak. More at The Drive.\

+   NASCAR Cup racing will return to the track this weekend at the The Real Heroes 400 at Darlington Raceway, with the green flag scheduled for Sunday at 3:30 PM. More at Jayski. 

Photo courtesy of Volkswagen. 

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