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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.

Call for complete smoking ban in cars

A COMPLETE BAN on smoking in cars should be introduced by law. That is the finding of a study of driver attitudes, where 71% said the Government should go further than it presently does to people smoking in cars. Of 7500 people polled, the study found 71% also believe smoking in cars should be made a criminal offence if children are in the car at the same time.

Ford shuffles European production

Ford Motor Co. said Tuesday it is realigning its European production in a move that will add two models at the carmaker's Valencia, Spain, factory and an electric version of the Focus at the Saarlouis, Germany, plant. Ford also said the B-Max small wagon will be built in its Craiova, Romania, factory and the plant will add a second, as-yet-unnamed small-segment model.