Ford copying Aston grill?

[gpb1]

Seeing pictures of the new Ford range at the Paris motor show I keep looking at the grills and wondering if Aston could sue like Apple sued Samsung. Particularly the new Fiesta and Mondeo.

[Neilc123]

I think the latest grille's shape and design was when Aston was in Ford's hands therefore I highly doubt it.

[DangerMonkey]

Makes the new Mondeo quite handsome doesn't it? First thing I that came into my head was Aston when I saw the first pictures.

[gpb1]

New Mondeo


New Fiesta

[George H]

Neilc123 said:

I think the latest grille's shape and design was when Aston was in Ford's hands therefore I highly doubt it.

What? The iconic grille shape has been on pretty much all models:


It's one of the most defining characteristics of an Aston! Not just something designed during Ford ownership!

[Neilc123]

Not the shape of the grille George but the actual way it is made. If you look at the older Aston's the grilles are made differently to the ones when under Ford.

[Neilc123]

But you are correct, it does seem a homage to the Aston. Although I doubt anyone would buy a Ford Mondeo thinking they have part of an aston or vice versa. Although I guess the depreciation would be a lot less

[brakedwell]

The rear window shape also apes Aston Martin styling.

[George H]

Neilc123 said:

Not the shape of the grille George but the actual way it is made. If you look at the older Aston's the grilles are made differently to the ones when under Ford.

Oh sorry I misinterpreted.

The Vanquish grille and Gaydon era grilles are made differently too. I doubt they can really claim they copied off them because of the process used (which wont be identical).

[Neilc123]

It would be an interesting debate as to what people think of when they hear Aston Martin:

I think of smooth design, leather interior, over-priced dealer servicing and James Bond. The grille comes very low on the list for me.

[gpb1]

Neilc123 said:

It would be an interesting debate as to what people think of when they hear Aston Martin:

I think of smooth design, leather interior, over-priced dealer servicing and James Bond. The grille comes very low on the list for me.

Bond drove a pre-release Mondeo in Casino Royale in 2006

[Neilc123]

Indeed gpb1 and I still keep shaking my head in disappointment when i watch it but then I guess Ford had the same pull on that film as BMW had on one of the older Bond movies (I seem to recall vaguely that he drove a Z8 or maybe even a 5 series in one of the films - disgraceful!)

[George H]

Z8, Z3 and an E39 7 series I think?

[LordBretSinclair]

gpb1 said:

Bond drove a pre-release Mondeo in Casino Royale in 2006

Indeed, there were loads of cars in the square which at the time came under the Ford parent company.
Nothing like a bit of product placement eh??

[yeti]

If they make a 2-door coupe, a new Cougar, that would be VERY derivative of an Aston. That grille is too close for comfort, but I doubt you could sue

Fingers crossed they don't!!

[Ice27]

Can certainly see where Ford have gotten their inspiration!!
That new Mondeo is a good looking car!!

[williamp]

The early Chimera used a simmilar, albeit upside down shape grill as Aston...


..But then again, its only a hole with two corners cut out. Here is a brief evolution of the shape, evolved from the 2 litre sports of 1948

[Murph7355]

williamp said:

[JTJ]

The front of the new mondeo and fiesta reminds me of the ugly lagonda suv concept for some reason.

The outgoing mondeos rear lights always looked like an upside down rear lights from a maserati GT to me.

[techguyone]

All of the new fords have this horrid catfish type look, I'm not sure if its the weeny thin but long lights, or the round foglights, but it's not nice.