Ford is looking into unloading Aston Martin

That's a real shame.....will they survive? I've never even sat in one....much less heard it's growl. Hey, it has a start button....so we'er kindred spirits, eh?

What do you think? Dave?

 

I saw that. Damn stupid in my opinion. The current Aston Martin offering is simply outstanding in my eyes when it comes to styling. The Aston Martin V-8 Vantage at $120,000 is certainly not cheap but it is most definitely on my "dream list". It needs marketing and exposure in the right places - the Ritz rather than Motel 6 - if you know what I mean. The company has history and it's British. Say what you will but most of us American's still feel ties to and love things British. Clearly Ford is without a plan and doesn't seem to mind telling the world they don't have a clue on how to save themselves. Hey, you asked.

 

There is not a bad looking Austin right now. Every model is just beautiful!!!

 

There are at least 3 DB-8s (one coupe and two convertibles) around here, and they're all beautiful. Sound good on acceleration, too.

In the rear-view mirror (when I'm lucky enough to see one behind me), they look just a little like a big sibling of the S. That part feels good. HPH

 

That is truly an understatement. I heard that there was a far eastern company (Indonesian I think) that was looking at the purchase.

 

Here's part of what one writer, AE, had to say about Ford recently......

It didn't help matters that the stifling Ford bureaucracy that has been built up over decades conspired to keep the truth from him at all costs, either. When the Chairman has to go searching for straight answers from the assembled brains around him - and still comes up wanting - then crucial issues are underestimated, opportunities are missed, and monumental mistakes are made (the total bungling of the Lincoln brand being the most glaring). That's why Ford finds itself in the dire, life-or-death situation it's facing today.

Do I think Ford is toast? No, not yet anyway. Even though their sacred cash cow, the F-150 pickup truck, has come up lame in this era of consistent $3.00 and up gasoline prices, Ford still has something left in the tank. Remember me mentioning "the franchise" earlier? Well, the F-150 is still the franchise for the Ford Motor Company, even though the wind is out of its sales, but beyond that the upcoming Edge crossover is the most pivotal vehicle on Ford's plate over the next 12 months. If the Edge is anything less than a grand slam home run for Ford, then I would be fearful for Ford's fortunes.

I think Mark Fields gets it, and I think Bill Ford himself finally gets it. Desperate times require desperate measures - and Bill and his newly-invigorated troops are trying their damnedest to finally Do the Right Thing, albeit late. They will sell off brands to raise cash, there's no question - Jaguar, Aston Martin and Land Rover are all fair game, and as ugly as it is now, it could get even uglier before they see a genuine up-tick in their fortunes again. But if Ford can hang on long enough, they will emerge from this a better, more proactive and more focused company that won't let itself get lost in the wilderness again. At least I certainly hope not, because there won't be a next time if they screw this up.

 

Doesn't Ford own Volvo, too? I wonder if they're going to put that up for sale as well. HPH

 

Yes.... last I heard. Maybe they are making money on the Swedish Chevy! And they are probably lossing on all the others.

 

I heard that they are considering dumping Jaguar as well.

 

So did I.

I also heard that's the one they hope to get some big bucks for.

fltsfshr