Wednesday 15th January 2003

Premier Automotive Group

Savings from scale or parts bin specials?

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[adrianrp]

Interior trim is a minimal expense and it really does make a difference in a top marque. But sharing "hidden" components - transmissions for example - makes great sense for the company and the buyer. If (only) I bought a shiney new Aston Martin and the gearbox failed just outside warranty, I'd be much happier paying Landrover or Volvo prices for a replacement. Also, it means that such parts are more likely to be available as OEM allowing smaller companies to make inexpensive use of them.

[Podie]

It's also little things like using the same bulbs for dash illumination that makes huge savings...

[Fatboy]

I think you'll end up paying Aston prices for your Ovlov gearbox actually

[chickensoup]

Shame to see that Landrover will share transmission. Guess that means that proper 4WD will be lost to a car based "soft roader" system.
Time to buy a Land Cruiser

[marki]

Parts bin special Astons are nothing new are they ? in the past i think they have raided Vauxhall amongst others ,,, oh yeah Ford parts then they have got a point

[JMGS4]

And the new Jag has cheepo Ford (badly engineered) switches and buttons. Tend to jam in the facia, or rattle in the cheepo plastic frontages, or fall off, or just plain and simply not work!
Whether Landy are getting a new cogbox is doubtful, the present SKF jag autocogbox is great, apart from the first gear neckwrench (yes, almost whiplash!) slamming. This 'un wouldn't work in a landy, but in any Luxobarge...then great. Experience talking here guys.........
Sorry NOT SKF, it should read ZF....

>> Edited by JMGS4 on Wednesday 15th January 13:03

[v8thunder]

Are we going to end up with a Jaguar SUV with an Aston Martin V8 engine and Volvo dashboard vents? I bloody well hope not...

[M3EVO]

Aston Martin/Ford parts bin as opposed to the Mazda 323 rear clusters fitted to the DB7. Oh yeah Mazda are part owned by the blue oval as well. Zoom Zoom Zoom I suppose.

[adrianrp]

"And the new Jag has cheepo Ford (badly engineered) switches and buttons"

Have you sat in one of the new XJs coming out later this year? I can honestly say that it has the best interior of ANY car available since the 1950's or 60's. The quality, finish, layout, design and materials put the Mercedes to shame.

[JMGS4]

adrianrp said: "And the new Jag has cheepo Ford (badly engineered) switches and buttons"

Have you sat in one of the new XJs coming out later this year? I can honestly say that it has the best interior of ANY car available since the 1950's or 60's. The quality, finish, layout, design and materials put the Mercedes to shame.

Adrian,
my experience is with my new S-type, and all the X- and S-types I've had while mines in the workshop (more workshop visit than I drive it by the way!) and I can only say for the switches, they're as bad as some citroens! The rest of the finish is good no doubt, but a 65K€ car does NOT have rattly, falling out, jamming, or failing switches!!!!
Not tried the new Jag as I'm royally pissed off with my S-Type, even my 1972 Skoda Cooupe was more reliable!