Sound Decision: Aston Martin signs deal with Bang & Olufsen
Yesterday was a big news day for Aston Martin. The small, independent automaker with a line-up based on just two models opened its new design center, unveiled the V12 Vantage RS, confirmed that the DBS would continue as Bond's ride in the next 007 movie, and announced a new partnership with Bang & Olufsen.
As a result of the new deal, the premium Danish electronics company will supply the British sportscar maker with special audio systems for its upcoming models. Expecting a virtual symphony to be recreated in the upcoming Rapide, then, would be a safe bet.
B&O, which bears no relation to the Atlantic City railroad station on your Monopoly board, already has a similar relationship with Audi, and was expected to announce a partnership with another automaker sometime soon. In anticipation, the company's stock rose over the course of several days, but fell again following the announcement that the deal was struck with Aston Martin and not with a larger manufacturer.
Good for Aston then, less so for Olufsen.
[Source: Automotive News – sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Zane 6:31PM (12/12/2007)
Thank God they didn't go with the joke called Bose. I hope this setup beats the current B&O system in the S8.
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Andrew 7:08PM (12/12/2007)
+1 for the Bose joke.
Cameron 2:25AM (12/13/2007)
+1
Bose = gimmicky and overpriced.
The idea of selling "high end" audio products through infomercials is absurd.
Zane 6:32PM (12/12/2007)
Oh, and does this mean the end of Linn in Astons?
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JunkStory 6:37PM (12/12/2007)
pretty cool
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JAG 7:01PM (12/12/2007)
A line of 2 cars? Is the Vanquish dead? :o
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Zane 7:29PM (12/12/2007)
FYI, the DBS has replaced the Vanquish at the top of the Aston heap.
JAG 9:32PM (12/12/2007)
That I know but has the Vanquish been discontinued or can be still ordered? I say this because I am on my out to buy a Lotto ticket and if I can not get a Vanquish I will keep my buck!!
Zane 1:16AM (12/13/2007)
I guess your local Aston dealership might be able to help you out. :)
BartMack 7:04PM (12/12/2007)
**looks sadly at checkbook balance** ...oh, how I wish...
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ALEXDB9 7:06PM (12/12/2007)
FINALLY........some AM topics here, I like it autoblog, keep it up.
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Xcountryflyer 7:11PM (12/12/2007)
B&O products have interesting design but price tags that are so far off in terms of value. You can get better equipment cheaper and better. I bet the Lexus audio systems are better than the B&O and cost less.
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SOhp101 7:15PM (12/12/2007)
I agree, but I don't think customers in the market to purchase an AM are really worried about value.
Xcountryflyer 7:17PM (12/12/2007)
True. It was more a general comment about the B&O's products being overpriced in general.
lovice 8:36PM (12/12/2007)
Have tried the B&O system in the top of range A8 (not all the A8)? If not, go to an Audi dealer have a try first. Then judge it for yourself if its worth the money, or if it's better than the one in Lexus.
lovice 8:39PM (12/12/2007)
O, u have to try it over 40mph. Coz there's no point to try a in car system stand still. And that's where B&O is so much better than others.
Zane 1:22AM (12/13/2007)
Looks like you haven't tried the S8's surreal system yet. Mark Levinson is good, in fact a lot better than the usual crappy sound Bose, Rockford and HK keep throwing out but is no way comparable to the awesome sound in the S8.
lovice 7:33AM (12/13/2007)
Have a read this article: http://www.channel4.com/4car/ft/feature/feature/12594/
Shoaib 7:49PM (12/12/2007)
I wonder if they are going to upgrade their navigation systems, the current ones are lifted straight off of Volvo's.
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sungambler 4:23AM (12/13/2007)
what's the matter with them? Linn wasn't good enough?
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