Legendary styling house agrees new loan deal; 500,000 US Minis; Mustang GT500 'Eleanor' to be auctioned
Italian design firm Pininfarina made its first profit for eight years in 2012. It followed the restructuring of a loan that has added three years to the repayment date, now 2018. Pininfarina financial results for 2012 show an €8.2m operating loss and €32.9m net profit.
The 500,000th Mini has been sold in America, 11 years after the brand was introduced there. Sales have grown from 24,590 units in 2002 to 66,123 last year. This March saw 6071 Minis find buyers in America, and the range is now bolstered by the Paceman's addition.
The original 'Eleanor' Ford Mustang GT500 from the film Gone in 60 Seconds is to be auctioned. Built by Cinema Vehicle Solutions, the GT500 is the car used in all close-ups and promotional material for the film. It will be sold at Mecum's Indy auction on 18 May.
Volkswagen has refreshed the Polo range, adding revised trim levels and extra equipment. The most notable new addition is the Polo R-Line Style, which adds the R-Line's bodykit and 16in 'Rivazza' alloys to the Polo S. Available with a pair of 1.2-litre engines, the Polo R-Line Style costs from £11,740.
Smart has bolstered its Fortwo range with the edition21. It's distinguished from the standard car through new alloy wheels and badges. The edition21 is available from £79 a month with zero per cent interest and a year's free insurance for customers over 21. The coupé costs £9,575, the cabriolet £11,075.
Matt Bird