Chief engineer of Ford Focus quits to lead German yacht builder

Jens Ludmann, chief program engineer for Ford Motor Co.'s new Focus, is quitting the automaker to head a German-based maker of luxury yachts. Ludmann led a team at Ford's European base in Merkenich, near Cologne, Germany, that developed the Focus, the first car from CEO Alan Mulally's global One Ford strategy and flagship of the company's new range of global C-segment products. The German native, who joined Ford in 2000, will become CEO of Bavaria Yachtbau GmbH, effective Aug.

Ed Balls faces driving ban

SHADOW CHANCELLOR Ed Balls could be banned from driving today as he answers a summons for failing to stop after bumping another car. The case, which arises from an incident in the Morley and Outwood MP's constituency on April 5, will be heard by magistrates in Leeds, although the Labour front-bencher is not expected to attend court. Mr Balls's office has said he will be responding in writing and will not contest the charge.

Aston Martin DBS Volante – up to £60k off as AM struggle to shift stock

The Aston Martin DBS Volante can now be had new for £60k off list as AML struggle to shift stock with the new Vanquish replacing the DBS. The first believes that Aston Martin has reinvented its range of cars with every update over the last decade – just as Porsche has with the 911. The other, perhaps the most prevalent, is that every Aston Martin we have now is a work of art, but basically the same car it was a decade ago.