Astrotech Lc-2 Quartz Chronometer on 2040-parts.com

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.

Arrinera 2013 Arrinera

New Polish car company Arrinera has announced that work on the prototype of the new model – also called the Arrinera confusingly – is complete and it will now be embarking on moving the design to production. The company has claimed that the inspiration for the car's design came from that of the stealth-fighter, although there are obvious features reminiscent of Lamborghini, such as the doors, a Reventon-esque front end, Gallardo-like rear intakes, and vents ahead of the rear wheels similar to those on the Murcielago. Arrinera asserts that the cabin will be adorned in only the finest handcrafted leather and carbon fiber and highlighted with aluminum trim.

JJAD P1 EV gets closer

Jim Dowle used to work as a designer for McLaren, and was involved in the original F1 development. So he knows a thing or two about lightweight performance cars. Last year Jim first announced details of his P1 concept, which was well received.