Investors looking to make bid on Aston Martin
The idea of Ford selling off Aston Martin still strikes some as odd. The luxury marque has turned a corner over the past few years and has now become a successful jewel in the crown of FoMoCo. Regardless, the Blue Oval has made overtures that Aston may be up for sale, but as is the case with both Jaguar and Land Rover, one minute they're open to offers and the next they're not.
If the storied British automaker does find its way into the open market, a pair of Europe's most wealthy investors is gearing up to make a bid. Bernard Arnault, the French equivalent of Bill Gates, who made his money in luxury goods, is teaming up with Belgian investor Albert Frère, to form an investment group that could make a move to purchase Aston Martin. They have their eyes on several different ventures, but A.M. is on the top of their list.
With vehicles on the way, including the drop-top Vantage and four-door Rapide, sales at their highest level and a steady upward trajectory, it seems a shame for Ford to even consider such a sale. However, Ford's goal of becoming a svelte, adaptable automaker will be a great deal easier without excess brands hanging around their neck. Either way, it's safe to assume that Aston is poised to have an even brighter future in the years ahead.
[Source: Motor Authority]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
dawookie 8:29AM (10/20/2006)
Too bad fomoco couldnt buy tvr and role them into one big ultra british brand or some sh*t..
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GOKARTN 9:25AM (10/20/2006)
At the moment, successful cars don't seem to be in favor at the Ford Motor Company.
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Chris 9:06AM (10/20/2006)
Wow, what a kick in the teeth for the brits! French luxury industrialist, taking out AM... That has got to burn... Where is Richard Branson????
Arnault is a ruthless CEO and investor. If he wants something, he will stop at nothing to get it. He tried to buy Gucci several years ago, at it was a bloody battle that he reluctantly lost.
That being said, his company LVMH is one of the best run companies out there. I think this could be very good for the AM brand. Maybe there is hope for the reliable AM in the future.
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Steve 9:49AM (10/20/2006)
I think Ford could learn 10 good lessons from Aston before they sell them off.
Lesson #1: Make a great product, and people will want to buy it, regardless of cost.
Lesson #2: Make a bad product, and people will NOT want to buy it, regardless of cost.
Lessons #3-10: See lessons #1 and #2.
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Corey W. 9:54AM (10/20/2006)
I still say this is a mistake.... IMO
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Erolb 10:03AM (10/20/2006)
"I see AM are turning us a healthy profit"
"They're not in our business model, get rid of them"
"But they're actually earning us money"
"But they're not in our business model, get rid of them"
"Oh for F8cks's sake...."
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Mr_Oak 11:29AM (10/20/2006)
-- dawookie wrote: Too bad fomoco couldnt buy tvr and role them into one big ultra british brand or some sh*t..
So now FOMOCO is a half-way house for failing British auto companies? TVR has always been a little odd anyway, I say sell them to the French, they're known for making odd/weird cars.
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Brian 12:11PM (10/20/2006)
I don't see a problem with Ford selling Aston off. For the right price.
Obviously Ford has shown the world was Aston is capable of; pay what Ford invested in them plus a nice premium and everyone is happy.
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Andy 1:47PM (10/20/2006)
I'm no Aston fan, but Aston-Martin was a rare highlight in the Ford PAG. The DB7 brought this concern back in the spotlight. It's sad to see Ford choose Mercury and Lincoln, two faded brands, over Aston-Martin.
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