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Crunch watch Feb 09: the auto industry in crisis

By Tim Pollard, Ben Pulman and Ben Whitworth Motor Industry 02 March 2009 18:11 Monday 2 March• The Volkswagen Group announces a 5% rise in sales revenues in the 2008 tax year and a 3% increase in operating profits, up to €6.3 billion. Chairman Martin Winterkorn said the group's multi-brand strategy and low CO2 cars had helped sustain sales, although he admitted that 2009 would see a fall in demand and revenues (Volkswagen) Friday 27 February• Jaguar Land Rover announces a significant order for 13,000 cars from a Chinese business. It's a morale boost for JLR which has been hit by a slump in demand with the global slowdown (BBC News)• Opel this afternoon agreed to a restructuring plan designed to save as many jobs and factories as possible – but it needs a €3.3 billion lifeline from the state.

Ford offers dealers 20% discount on aluminum-repair tools

NEW ORLEANS -- Ford is offering dealerships with body shops a 20 percent discount on the $30,000 to $50,000 in special equipment and training needed to repair the 2015 aluminum pickup. Dealers can get a maximum of $10,000 off if they buy the gear before Oct. 31, said Paul Massie, Ford collision marketing manager.

Rinspeed XchangE concept rethinks the autonomous car's cabin

Rinspeed's XchangE all-electric touring sedan concept has been confirmed for the Geneva motor show, and focuses on how future drivers will spend their time in autonomous cars. Founder Frank M. Rinderknecht says, "So far hardly anyone has taken this to its logical conclusion from the perspective of the driver.