Vintage Westinghouse Sealed Beam (glass) Lamp No. 4546 4.7v Hand Lantern on 2040-parts.com

Mini crossover to carry base price of $22,350

Mini's new Countryman crossover will start at $22,350, only $550 more than the three-door Clubman wagon. A well-equipped Countryman in a Cooper S trim with optional all-wheel drive will cost just under $30,000, Jim McDowell, head of Mini USA, said Wednesday during the media launch for the vehicle. The prices include destination charges, Mini said.

Council parking ‘spy car’ gets speeding ticket

A council-owned ‘spy car’ designed to catch people parking their vehicles unlawfully has been snapped travelling over the speed limit. Dorset police officers recorded the parking enforcement camera car travelling at 36mph in a 30mph area, handing the driver a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points on their licence, according to the Bournemouth Echo. On Bing: see pictures of camera cars Cameras to catch illegal parking on the school run The speeder was given the option of attending a £110 speed awareness course, however, which could mean the motorist manages to evade the points.

Exclusive: Laurens van den Acker to replace Patrick le Quément at Renault

The wheels of change are continuing to turn within the automotive design industry, with yet another new appointment being made at the director level. According to industry insiders, Laurens van den Acker is set become the new Design Director at Renault when Patrick le Quément retires later this year. One of the most pre-eminent car designers in the world, Patrick le Quément began his design career at Simca, worked at Ford for 17 years and did a brief stint at Volkswagen before taking the top design job at Renault.