Aston Martin sold.

[XRQTOR]

Originally Posted by BlackLS

The carpark across the rd from the Police? I think I've seen that DB9 around Nulla.

Thats the one, is was silver.

[aussiblue]

The LV company obviously admires good cars see at http://www.louisvuitton.com/web/flas...1&langue=en_GB and under the World of LV the LV Classic and LV Boheme Run.

[tbearz]

does that mean we can start buying chinese made rip offs of aston martin albiet that the stitching on these fakes will be slightly off??

[Steffo]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Porsche don't own Lamborghini or Bugatti, the VW group does, and Porsche own a fair slice of VW, so they don't directly own it. I think Audi has the controlling interest in Lamborghini, hence they use a version of the Gallardo chassis in the Audi R8 and the V10 in the S6 and S8.

When you have the controlling interest in a group of companies, like the Volkswagen Auto Group, which is made of up Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, Skoda, Lamborghini, Bugatti and Bentley, you generally end up with control of the whole ship. Which means that Porsche-AG can directly make decisions that influence and/or affect any of the companies in the group they have the controlling stake in.

Why do you think that the said Audi V10 (which is the Lamborghini unit increased from 5.0 to 5.2 litres) uses VW's FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection) and everyone in the group shares things like DSG etc. And the 911 is getting FSI soon (MY2008). You can link pretty much every vehicle in the big group's DNA with each other, and that includes Porsche with the rest of them.

[Homer1]

Originally Posted by MethodX

Great news.
A Pom company owned by the French

Suffer Clarkson.

And steffo Fiat dont own all of Ferrari.

Pom companies are owned by pretty much everyone but the Poms!

But rest assured Clarkson will still love Astons and make a humrous diatribe over the takeover on Top Gear. He's a Legend!!

[Gadgetman]

I hope this is a turn for the better and not the worse for Ford.

[MethodX]

Originally Posted by RIPGMH

I'm no expert on French history, but I'm pretty sure Louis Vuitton has been dead for over a century. You can solve most problems with cash but you don't want Aston Martin turning into some limp wristed Italdesigned Maserati eurotrash

What are you talking about?
The italian styling houses such as italdesign, Bertone, Pininfarina and Vignale are famous all over the world.

Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini look quite a good deal better than the munted jaguar look of Astons.

[Rev28K]

Aston needed to go with an automotive-based partner. Somewhere where synergies and economies could be used to help certification and costs. Remember in the early 80’s? The plan then for a new “baby” Aston was to use a Mercedes 2.3 16V Cosworth engine because Aston couldn’t afford to develop their own. I think that the new V8’s are based (somewhere) on basic Jaguar architecture (same as RR?).

All the boutique manufacturers were getting gobbled up by the big manufacturers, part of the reason why was that they could help engineer the cars for large markets like the USA (OBD requirements, air bags and maybe stability control in the future). TVR basically gave up on exports outside of Europe and now they really need to tie up with someone and use bought in engines because they can’t develop their own ones, the days of just plonking in a Rover V8 are dead. There are a lot of interesting quirky engines still being made and produced but it can be hard going for the independents – Pagani use AMG engines, Bristol use Chrysler engines, Spyker and Gumpert use Audi engines, Ascari use BMW engines. Koenigsegg and Saleen’s engines are based on Ford components, Mosler and Marcos use GM engines.

If LV’s pockets are deep enough they could get Porsche, Lotus or maybe even Prodrive to design a unique powerplant (and certify the cars for foreign markets) and maybe get someone like Cosworth to build them, but the pockets are going to have to be very deep indeed to fund any models that aren’t going to use the VH platform. The VH platform is meant to be very flexible but eventually it will need to be replaced. The current V8 is meant to be a good base with lots of models to be spun off it (convertible, forced induction, etc) and the Rapide 4 door is still in the wings, but in 5-10 years new models will be needed, and need to be paid for.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by Steffo

When you have the controlling interest in a group of companies, like the Volkswagen Auto Group, which is made of up Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, Skoda, Lamborghini, Bugatti and Bentley, you generally end up with control of the whole ship. Which means that Porsche-AG can directly make decisions that influence and/or affect any of the companies in the group they have the controlling stake in.

Why do you think that the said Audi V10 (which is the Lamborghini unit increased from 5.0 to 5.2 litres) uses VW's FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection) and everyone in the group shares things like DSG etc. And the 911 is getting FSI soon (MY2008). You can link pretty much every vehicle in the big group's DNA with each other, and that includes Porsche with the rest of them.

But Porsche don't own the whole shebang and don't control the whole show. They would have members on the board who can influence decisions, but thats it. Its a big difference. Porsche can't just tell the others what to do.

[Tles]

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/...ed-as-rubbish/

Aston Martin sale dismissed as "rubbish"Rumors that Aston Martin has been sold to luxury goods maker Louis Vuitton (LVMH) are "absolute rubbish," a spokesperson told U.K. weekly Autocar. "There is no truth in this story whatsoever," the LVMH representative said.

A source within the bidding process told the magazine "the story is simply erroneous," referring to a report last week by German auto magazine Autobild claiming LVMH won the rights to acquire Aston.

Louis Vuitton showed some interest in acquiring the brand, but decided not to proceed when bidding exceeded £400 million. Aston boss Ulrich Bez has also maintained the new owner should have at least some automotive industry experience.

Ford will announce the true new owner of Aston Martin in a month once the deal is finalized, the report said.

Filed in "Aston Martin",

[Tles]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

But Porsche don't own the whole shebang and don't control the whole show. They would have members on the board who can influence decisions, but thats it. Its a big difference. Porsche can't just tell the others what to do.

Read somewhere that a Porsche takeover of VW is expected within next eighteen months - Ferdinand would be so proud.

The very best thing to come out of that would be a new rear engined Beetle and if so I want one - and a BoxsterS based Karmann Ghia

Seemingly off topic but, VW has now built a top reputation based around a quality affordable Euro range with several hero cars - Ford OZ, especially if they bring in the Mondeo & S-Max will also offer probably the choicest range of Ford's on offer in the World and they are all Euro based designs or better.

Ford needs to promote themselves as a higher style brand not just the 6spd.

Promote the entire Blue Oval brand so it is seen as competitive to VW, Peugeot, Renault, Subaru, Mazda even Volvo and Land Rover. If Holden want to go after the Korean friendly buyers - like Ford did with Festiva v Barina then let them. Ford needs to go after the more smart casual market who see the value in some of the very best value chassis and suspension packages/drives in the world, and appreciate classic Euro and Australian style.

If Ford don't do this then they will be missing a platinum opportunity to shine and to increase per unit profitability on higher spec sheets. Fords should almost sell themselves if Ford can get the right message out there - they have the right products. Otherwise, I am sure that the bean counters are already banging down the doors at Ford HQ demanding lower cost imports like the new Holden Epica.

[Rev28K]

This site metioned that Porsche was going to buy 20% of VW shares in 2005. Interesting reading, especially the German "VW law".
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/09/25/business/vw.php

according to Wikepdia Porsche now own 25% of VW.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche
"As of 2005, the extended Porsche and Piech families controlled all of Porsche AG's voting shares. In early October 2005 the company announced acquisition of an 18.53% stake in Volkswagen AG and disclosed intentions to acquire additional VW shares in the future. As of June 2006, Porsche AG's stake in Volkswagen had risen to 25.1%, giving Porsche a blocking minority, whereby Porsche can veto large corporate decisions undertaken by VW."

Ahh the days of old when Porsche still used a VW beetle bit (suspension link?) in the rear of the 944.

VW (despite it's large economies of scale) does have it's problems - VW was going to go upmarket with Skoda coming in beneath, but the market didn't really accept it. The Phaeton isn't selling but provides a good base for Bentleys. The Golf (their meat & potatoes car) is too expensive to make and the redesign is being rushed on to the market. How are Passat V8 sales going? The Lupo (cut and shut Polo) seemed to be a bit desperate for a "3.0l" car.

Bugatti need a cheap model to justify it's existence which will tread on Lambo/Porsche's toes.

Audi has to pitch the R8 at belw Gallardo level. The "koala" grille hasn't been well recieved. Is the A3 better value than a Golf/Skoda/Seat? The 4wds still have a lot of front overhang - although the RS6, TT and especially the RS4 are big improvements. The A2 didn't fire up. They seem to following Mercedes by introducing an A6 pillar-less 4-door.

How long can the older Bentley models keep going and how hard can it be to justify the re-engineering. Is SEAT really firing up as the "performance" range. i.e. a Spanish equivalent to Alfa Romeo?

Porsche don't want to do a cheap car (although they did let the base V6 Cayenne $100kish in to Australia). Their line for years has been that if you want to buy a cheap Porsche buy a second-hand one from their dealers.

[Steffo]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

But Porsche don't own the whole shebang and don't control the whole show. They would have members on the board who can influence decisions, but thats it. Its a big difference. Porsche can't just tell the others what to do.

They will shortly be able to. The Porsche takeover of VW & VAG is an intentional thing, being assisted by part of the German Government. The Government owns a high stake in the company and Porsche will acquire the vast majority of the shares, therefore making it theoretically impossible to take over by a foreign entity.

The companies have an entwined history anyway, it was Dr. Porsche himself who assisted in VW's start in major production, the Beetle was his design and it was originally built in his factory in 1939.

[Tles]

Prodrive appear to be the new lead runner in the Auction of Aston Martin. About 500,000pounds of sterling Aston. Ford to retain interest.

This would IMHO be a top scenario for AM & Ford as Prodrive already run the AM Racing team and develop hot packages and mods.

FPV? engineering follow on and V8 development potential.
As I have stated previously, FPV need to be associated with Ford in the same way and with the same cred factor as AMG to Merc. If Prodrive were to get Aston Martin, and that should be all determined this week, this could be well on the way to happening.
All Euro Ford models would then have a 'pinup' or 'banner' tuning house and so would our big Fords through FPV. If we could park at our local in a 'Ford -Prodrive enhanced' Focus or Mondeo then our mates FPV GT would be even more special.

[Fordman1]

The Prodrive move sounds really promising.

That and Ford retaining interest make good sense. I love AM's I'd rather see that happen than the LV deal !

[T3ts50]

Gaydon March 12, 2007: Aston Martin is pleased to announce the start of a new chapter in its illustrious history following the announcement today that the prestigious sports car manufacturer has been sold to a consortium led by David Richards, John Sinders, Investment Dar and Adeem Investment, ending almost twenty years as part of Ford Motor Company.

The consortium is a group of sophisticated investors who are committed to the brand, its success and existing business plan which envisages growth, profitability and new products, including the much acclaimed four door concept Rapide, shown for the first time at the Detroit Auto Show in 2006.

With the full support of the investors, Dr Ulrich Bez, remains committed to the future success of Aston Martin and will lead the management team into a new era as its Chief Executive. Since his appointment in 2000 he has overseen a period of growth and investment, steering Aston Martin to its unparalleled status in the world luxury sports car market. During the past six years the company has seen a tremendous change with new headquarters, exciting new products, a successful motorsport programme and a strong corporate identity throughout the expanding dealership network.

Leading the investors is David Richards, founder and chairman of Prodrive, a world leading motorsport and automotive engineering company. He will be joining the board of Aston Martin as non executive chairman in a personal capacity.

“This is an incredible opportunity – Aston Martin is one of the world’s most iconic brands” said David Richards. “We are confident we now have all the right ingredients to take Aston Martin to even greater heights.”

John Sinders, a banker in finance and shipping from Houston, Texas and Dubai UAE, is an Aston Martin owner with a great affection for the brand on both road and track.

Investment Dar, a Kuwaiti company, is the largest listed investment company in the Gulf. It owns and manages a group of companies including banking, finance, investment and asset management, real estate, insurance, banking, and logistics. Investment Dar has total assets of US$ 3.66 billion, with net income of US$ 317.3 million in 2006.

Adeem Investment is a Kuwaiti company and owns companies in the banking and finance, real estate and hotels, transport and logistics, food and telecoms industries. It has become the fastest growing investment, corporate finance and asset management company in Kuwait with assets under management in excess of US$ 1.5 billion.

Jefferies & Company acted as financial adviser to the Consortium.

“This new partnership is a tremendously exciting opportunity for Aston Martin,” said Ulrich Bez. “Under the ownership of Ford we have become a successful, profitable company and I will be working with the new owners to build on this great foundation. It is a new beginning which will give the company the opportunity to attain an even higher level of excellence.

“This next stage in the company’s history promises to be the most exciting yet. David Richards and I have a great deal of mutual respect for each other and we are equally passionate about realising the brand’s full potential.”

Aston Martin will remain at its high tech production facility at Gaydon in Warwickshire, a purpose-built facility where a skilled workforce of 1800 employees have helped gather numerous awards from the automotive and design industries in the past five years. Aston Martin has also enjoyed considerable success on the track and the company’s sporting heritage continues to infuse every model.

Aston Martin is a one of the world’s leading sports car manufacturers. Founded in 1914 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford the company has been responsible for some of the most evocative automobiles of all time. Aston Martin has evolved into a prestige manufacturer with class-leading products and perhaps the most high profile automotive brand name in the world.

The current model line-up of the award-winning V8 Vantage, DB9, DB9 Volante, Vanquish S and V8 Vantage Roadster will soon be enhanced by the eagerly awaited high performance DBS model. Voted the UK’s coolest brand in 2006, Aston Martin has a fast-expanding dealership network of 126 dealers representing in 27 countries.