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.

Mercedes-Benz plans to add a fifth compact model in 2014

Mercedes-Benz will build a fifth variant off its future A- and B-class compact-car platform. The model will be a so-called "shooting brake," company sources said, adding that the low-slung sporty station wagon will start arriving at European dealerships in 2014. The car will most likely be called the CLC Shooting Brake, the sources said.

Who's Where: Peter Schreyer appointed President of Kia Motors

Peter Schreyer has been been appointed President of Kia Motors after holding the position of Chief Design Officer since 2006. Schreyer is the first non-Korean to hold the position within the company and one of the highest-ranking designers in the history of the industry. Schreyer, who is now 59, moved from the VW Group to transform the historically 'dull-but-worthy' Kia product range into one of the strongest and most design-led in the industry through stand-out production cars such as the Picanto and Sportage as well as a diverse range of concepts from Pop to GT.