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Crunch watch July 09: the auto industry in crisis

By Tim Pollard, Ben Pulman, Ben Whitworth and Alex Michaelides Motor Industry 31 July 2009 11:23 Welcome to CAR's news aggregator as we round up the seismic change in the auto industry. Top tip: news summaries are added from the top hour-by-hour  Friday 31 July 2009• Lamborghini today posted pre-tax profits of €5.4 million – despite a sales drop of 37% in the first six months of 2009. Sant'Agata said turnover hit €156.9m in the first half (down 43%) as it sold 825 cars globally (Lamborghini)• British motorists could have to pay £250 in tax to park at work from 2012.

Rolls Royce Bespoke & ‘The Daddy’ of Picnic Sets

The Rolls Royce Bespoke Picnic Set You can buy a Rolls Royce Phantom for as little as £275,000. Which may seem like a lot of money, but to the Phantom buyer who probably already owns not only a number of other cars but in all likelihood a yacht and a plane as well, it’s a mere bagatelle. What’s more, the Rolls Royce buyer well used to buying and commissioning private yachts and planes is also used to specifying custom options.

How VW's XL1 will make your next Golf lighter, faster and more frugal

VW will only build 250 examples of the XL1, its super-streamlined two-seater than scores a combined 314mpg thanks to its plug-in hybrid diesel engine, lightweight construction and low-drag design. Each punter will have to put up around €100,000 for the privilege of saving money on fuel – but don’t worry, because every car across the VW Group will benefit from the lessons learned, all by 2020. Is my next VW likely to be a hybrid?