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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.

Mansory Panamera revealed

The Mansory take on the Porsche Panamera But Mansory has a big market in the Middle East and their tastes are less conservative than ours on the whole. Where we’d rather talk quietly but carry a big stick, the Middle East market wants the world to know just how big their stick is from the get-go. Horses for courses.

Two thirds using mobile phones while driving

TWO THIRDS of drivers in the UK admit to using their mobile phone while driving despite it being illegal and dangerous. A study has found 60% of drivers make calls, send texts and even browse the internet on their phones when behind the wheel. Research by Flexed shows six out of 10 drivers say they answer the phone or reply to texts when driving.