Ford to sell Aston Martin (Update- Its Done!! Sold to Prodrive on Pg 6)
09-01-06 | 02:12 AM
#16
Keep in mind everyone that it did nothing for FORD except make "some" Ford owners flaunt it. 
But then Toyota is not Ford by a long shot. One company will be around in the next 15 years-other-NOT.
But then Toyota is not Ford by a long shot. One company will be around in the next 15 years-other-NOT.
09-01-06 | 04:14 AM
#18
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 91,719
Likes: 90
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Looks like it's official now.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/busin...4606-1317r.htm
I'm not sure if I agree with the idea of Toyota buying it or not....though the idea of Aston getting Toyota reliability would be nice if Toyota could give it better electronics.
Still, the brand as a whole never made much sense to me except for those who want to drive what is essentially an overpriced Jaguar or have a James Bond babe machine.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/busin...4606-1317r.htm
I'm not sure if I agree with the idea of Toyota buying it or not....though the idea of Aston getting Toyota reliability would be nice if Toyota could give it better electronics.
Still, the brand as a whole never made much sense to me except for those who want to drive what is essentially an overpriced Jaguar or have a James Bond babe machine.
09-01-06 | 08:23 AM
#19
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 30,120
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From: Canada
That alone makes a lot of sense to those who can afford them, plus the higher power engines, & I think the Aston's in the past 10 years look way better than the Jaguar coupe/convertibles.
09-01-06 | 08:53 AM
#20
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 91,719
Likes: 90
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Never underestimate the power of automotive CEO's to talk their way out of a mess.
09-01-06 | 09:41 AM
#21
I rmember when Honda purchased Austin Rover in the late 80's. As a result, they came out with "Sterling". Very nice cars at the time
Toyota should buy this small Euro car maker, and work its magic I can see Toyota really competing with the Mercedes to the max by bringing forth a Lexus version of Aston Martin Rapide to compete against the Mercedes CLS AMG, I can see it now................. Can Bob Lutz take over Lexus? he would do it
Toyota should buy this small Euro car maker, and work its magic I can see Toyota really competing with the Mercedes to the max by bringing forth a Lexus version of Aston Martin Rapide to compete against the Mercedes CLS AMG, I can see it now................. Can Bob Lutz take over Lexus? he would do it
09-01-06 | 10:28 AM
#24
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,789
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From: so. cal
Looks like it's official now.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/busin...4606-1317r.htm
I'm not sure if I agree with the idea of Toyota buying it or not....though the idea of Aston getting Toyota reliability would be nice if Toyota could give it better electronics.
Still, the brand as a whole never made much sense to me except for those who want to drive what is essentially an overpriced Jaguar or have a James Bond babe machine.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/busin...4606-1317r.htm
I'm not sure if I agree with the idea of Toyota buying it or not....though the idea of Aston getting Toyota reliability would be nice if Toyota could give it better electronics.
Still, the brand as a whole never made much sense to me except for those who want to drive what is essentially an overpriced Jaguar or have a James Bond babe machine.
09-01-06 | 10:56 AM
#25
Thread Starter
Speaks French in Russian
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: What is G?
Found this on another forum....
That didn't take long, did it? Apparently Aston Martin is a hotter brand than we thought, as CAR online is reporting that two European luxury good firms, neither with experience in the automotive industry, are both interested in the marque. Swiss-based Richemont, who you might know by its Cartier brand of French jewelry and watches, and French holding company LVMH, best known for its Louis Vuitton and Fendi brands of luggage and hand bags, are the two companies that could potentially pay up to $1 billion or more for Aston Martin.
The eventual buyer is going to get the Aston Martin name, the company's factories at Gaydon and Newport Pagnell, the entire R&D team and the brand's management including CEO Ulrich Benz.
[Source: CAR]
The eventual buyer is going to get the Aston Martin name, the company's factories at Gaydon and Newport Pagnell, the entire R&D team and the brand's management including CEO Ulrich Benz.
[Source: CAR]
09-01-06 | 06:03 PM
#28
I wouldn't be in favor of Toyota making a move like that. Toyota is the sales leader in the US. They are in the top 5 in the world. Why would they mess with that? they have a good thing going. They have new and exciting cars coming out. The new LS will have a model reaching 100K. The first Lexus to cost that much. The Lexus supercar, possible Supra....they don't need AM. They need to stay the course that brought them to where they are. Remember, GM was once #1. They lost focus. Toyota can learn from that.
09-01-06 | 06:27 PM
#29
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Posts: n/a
Aston might be bye bye. B/C they use retooled Jag parts and some engines are 2 Ford V-6s with glue. And Jags use Ford parts. So they are not tellng us something.
AND I LOVE THE BRAND!!!!
The name and heritage have a lot to offer. The luxury market will only grow. I say BUY BUY BUY!!
AND I LOVE THE BRAND!!!!
The name and heritage have a lot to offer. The luxury market will only grow. I say BUY BUY BUY!!
