RIP Sergio Pininfarina 1926–2012

Sergio Pininfarina died last night at his home in Turin. He was 85 years old. Born in Turin on 8 September 1926 to Pininfarina's founder Battista Farina, Sergio was instrumental in growing the company during his almost 50 years at the helm of the most famous Italian design house.

Chrysler says it needs another $2 billion in aid

In submitting its viability plan to the federal government on Tuesday, Chrysler asked for an additional $2 billion beyond the $7 billion in loans it sought late last year and outlined further steps to cut costs. Chrysler said it will reduce fixed costs by an additional $700 million, cut 100,000 more units of production capacity, discontinue three more model lines and sell $300 million more in assets.

UK 2012 car sales analysis: winners and losers

New UK car registrations in 2012 rose to a four-year high, figures released today confirm. Sales jumped 5.3% in the Olympic year compared with 2011 – to 2,044,609 new cars, the largest percentage increase since 2001. Retail sales drove the demand in 2012, growing 12.9% on the previous year.