If Aston were bought by another car company, who'd be best?
Discussion
Following on from the thread regarding Aston's losses there was some mention regarding the contrasting fortunes between it and Bentley, who as we know is under the ownership of VW.
An advantageous situation for Bentley, with VW's backing they have financial clout, facilities and access to plenty of parts (that would otherwise need engineering from scratch) etc. It can be suggested that since the takeover Bentley have lost a touch of 'Britishness' but the trade off is perhaps (technically?) superior cars, a greater range, stronger sales and a turning a healthy profit.
Could the same be applied to Aston? We are aware of the recent tie in with AMG for engines, but what about taking it further?
To which manufacturer's stewardship would you trust Aston Martin?
As a fanboi I have to say BMW. I think the way they have managed Rolls Royce since their ownership has been rather well done. They've produced technically stunning cars but seemed to have retained that essential Rolls Royceness to critical acclaim.
So, opening the floor to PH - which company would you want Aston to be taken over by?
An advantageous situation for Bentley, with VW's backing they have financial clout, facilities and access to plenty of parts (that would otherwise need engineering from scratch) etc. It can be suggested that since the takeover Bentley have lost a touch of 'Britishness' but the trade off is perhaps (technically?) superior cars, a greater range, stronger sales and a turning a healthy profit.
Could the same be applied to Aston? We are aware of the recent tie in with AMG for engines, but what about taking it further?
To which manufacturer's stewardship would you trust Aston Martin?
As a fanboi I have to say BMW. I think the way they have managed Rolls Royce since their ownership has been rather well done. They've produced technically stunning cars but seemed to have retained that essential Rolls Royceness to critical acclaim.
So, opening the floor to PH - which company would you want Aston to be taken over by?
Not the Germans.
I'd be inclined to say some company from the far east, because they have occasionally shown to be quite restrained when it comes to upsetting the formula and with some careful contract writing they'd probably be willing to retain some / all of the original european design / manufacturing / assembly facilities, and would hopefully allow Aston Martin to continue to be Aston Martin rather than yet another teutonic, generically styled Audi/BMW...
I'd be inclined to say some company from the far east, because they have occasionally shown to be quite restrained when it comes to upsetting the formula and with some careful contract writing they'd probably be willing to retain some / all of the original european design / manufacturing / assembly facilities, and would hopefully allow Aston Martin to continue to be Aston Martin rather than yet another teutonic, generically styled Audi/BMW...
McWigglebum4th said:
Porsche
Excellent at selling exactly the same warmed over design they have been selling for the past 20 years
Thing is with Porsche, there is proper engineering underlying the 'rehashed' body. By all accounts the new GT3 with 4 wheel steer is spectacular and the new 918 appears to be epic.Excellent at selling exactly the same warmed over design they have been selling for the past 20 years
mollytherocker said:
McWigglebum4th said:
Porsche
Excellent at selling exactly the same warmed over design they have been selling for the past 20 years
See the DB7 V latest Aston
Porsche have been selling the same design for 20 years!! How very dare you!!Excellent at selling exactly the same warmed over design they have been selling for the past 20 years
See the DB7 V latest Aston
Its 50 years!
jhonn said:
JCB - another 'traditional' British firm, with worldwide distribution and (I think) deep pockets. They have an innovative, well designed, broad portfolio of products and good marketing too.
(I may be way off with this
)
Strangely, the founders of JCB and Aston both had the surname Bamford!(I may be way off with this
)Related?
Burgmeister said:
FalconWood said:
What about McLaren. British and related racing pedigree. Fits nicely
Into their portfolio offering.
They're hardly a success story. Into their portfolio offering.
How is that not a success???
The P1 Hypercars will all find homes soon and the new P13 is on the way. They're bang on target.
But, no, they aren't the answer for AM. That would IMO best be Mercedes, through AMG preferably. Would suit Merc too I would think as they must be envious of the success BMW (Rolls) VW (Bentley) and Audi (Lamborghini) have had and their own efforts to date (Smart, Chrysler) not so good.
Toyota....massive R&D facilities, test tracks galore and in need of a prestige sporting brand. Could become the sporting arm of Lexus and sell globally with decent advertising, sponsorship campaigns and racing credentials...
They would also be well made and not suffer from small niggling issues. Decent dealer support too!
They would also be well made and not suffer from small niggling issues. Decent dealer support too!
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