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Jaguar’s XE Launch Exceeds All Expectations

AT a glittering launch event in London Jaguar treated the assembled media to a succession of theatrical and musical acts ahead of the main event – the long-awaited unveiling of its new XE compact executive saloon. The new car is a big deal for Jaguar, as it allows the Brit car maker to go head-to-head with the likes of BMW, Audi and Mercedes in the fiercely competitive compact executive market. Jaguar’s XE is tasked with showcasing a range of new technology that’s expected to be rolled out to other models in the coming years.

VW to buy Italdesign Giugiaro, sources say

Volkswagen AG will buy a controlling stake in Italy's largest design and engineering firm, Italdesign Giugiaro S.p.A., two industry sources confirmed to Automotive News Europe. One of the sources said that an announcement could come as early as next week. Italdesign and VW representatives declined to comment.

Mini launches 'Inspired by Goodwood'

Mini has just held a launch party in Germany for the new ‘Mini inspired by Goodwood'. Unveiled at Pavillon 21 Mini Opera Space, a temporary mobile performance venue located on the Marstallplatz in Munich, the new trim level was developed by designers working in both the Mini and Rolls-Royce design studios. Finished in a cornsilk beige hue (a color typical of Roll-Royce interiors), the Mini Inspired by Goodwood's cabin exudes an air of sophistication found on premium, luxury products – right down to the lamb's wool carpeting.