G-force Racing 8605 Helmet Shield Pro Force/force 1 Helmet Series Blue Tint Each 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.

Jaguar Land Rover to build cars in China

Jaguar Land Rover has revealed it is going to build cars in China, starting with either the Freelander 2 or Evoque. Jaguar Land Rover has revealed that it going to build cars outside the UK for the first time (as opposed to re-assembling Freelander 2 CKD kits as it does in India) in a plant just north of Shanghai. As this is China, official permission from the Chinese government is required, but with the joint venture between Chery and JLR now official its seems unlikely to be a problem as JLR will already have agreed to Chery producing JLR cars with Chery badges on.

First Sight: Volvo Concept Coupé

It's clear talking to the team responsible for the Volvo Concept Coupé this isn't just 'another concept car'; it's a manifesto for where the sole remaining Scandinavian car brand is heading. It marks a new dawn for the company by introducing a new platform, range of engines and design language devised by Thomas Ingenlath. Car Design News traveled to Volvo's design studio in Gothenburg to see the car and speak to the team behind it ahead of its official unveiling in Frankfurt.