Pininfarina family to lose control of company

The Pininfarina family is set to lose its controlling share stake in the company as it takes a step closer to restructuring its €76 million net debt. The Italian design firm, founded in 1930, has been plagued with debt in recent years, shutting its manufacturing branch in 2011 to concentrate purely on design, ending a joint venture with Volvo that saw the company assemble Volvo's C70. The move is seen as a positive one for the company in the long-term, making it more financially secure for future developments, but it also means that the Pininfarina family will lose control of the company by selling its 77 percent share.

Lexus debuts dedicated HS 250h hybrid at the Detroit auto show

Lexus is no stranger to hybrids, with green offshoots of the GS and LS sedans and RX SUV currently in showrooms. However, joining them this summer is Lexus's first dedicated hybrid, the HS 250h, which made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show. The new entry-luxury sedan slots between the IS and ES in the Lexus range.

Chinese bank may join Saab rescue deal

Saab's owner, Swedish Automobile, said on Monday it is discussions with a bank in China and Chinese automaker Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile over a rescue deal for Saab. Reports had said on Sunday that the Bank of China would replace China's Pang Da as an investor in Saab, which is under bankruptcy protection. Swedish Automobile confirmed Monday that it is talking with Youngman and a bank in China about an equity interest, but did not name the bank.