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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.

Local Motors XC2V design competition winners announced

The winners of the Local Motors XC2V design competition have been announced. Created in partnership with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the brief called for individuals to co-create a vehicle body design for two different missions – Combat Reconnaissance and Combat Delivery & Evacuation – based on Local Motors' tubular steel chassis. The goal was to create a fast, lightweight, highly capable vehicle that would be suitable for various field missions.

Abarth Launches Custom Track Package To Celebrate 65 Years’ Heritage

THE NEW Abarth 500, offered with additional equipment and a bespoke Abarth track experience, is the latest deal being offered by the performance car manufacturer. Just 65 of the brand’s 500 Custom models are being made available, in recognition of the 65 years since Abarth & C. was formed in Italy by Carlo Abarth.