Ford Sells Aston Martin

The Ford Motor Co. earlier sold the Aston Martin, its British luxury sports car unit, to a group of private investors. Sources familiar to the deal said the consideration is about $925 million.

People familiar to the deal said the purchaser is led by David Richards, an auto racing entrepreneur and also the founder of Prodrive Ltd. The latter also runs the Aston Martin racing program. The sources added that Richards will be supported by Kuwait's Investment Dar Co.

Ford sold the Aston Martin brand to raise money to defray restructuring expenses. But it will retain a small stake in the brand. When asked about the sale, a Ford spokesman declined to comment last Sunday.

The automaker bought the majority stake in Aston Martin in 1987. The rest of the stake is purchased in 1994. Last year, Ford posted the biggest annual loss in its 103-year history amounting to $12.7 billion. In view thereof, the automaker closed factories and slashed tens of thousands of jobs as part of the restructure plan.

But the strategies are deemed wanting hence the automaker considered other options available and one of it is selling the Aston Martin brand. "It will give them some more needed capital to fund their restructuring," auto analyst Brad Rubin of BNP Paribas said last Sunday of the Aston Martin sale, "but it really isn't that much money."

The Aston Martin is made equally-famous as agent 007, a.k.a. James Bond, has featured and used the brand’s vehicles in some of his movies. The brand is part of Ford's Premier Automotive Group which also covers Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo Cars. These brands are famous for the luxury, performance and safety. Jaguar, to boost its design philosophy introduced new lineup to wipe away the boxy image of the automaker. Land Rover, on the other hand, is enhancing its off-road performance. Volvo has achieved an ideal standard in auto safety. Even a simple auto part like the Volvo distributor cap is designed with topmost safety offering in mind.

Among the Premier Automotive Group units, the greatest contributor of losses is Jaguar with $327 million recorded sales decline in 2006. The automaker does not usually divulge any financial information regarding the individual units of the Premier Automotive Group nonetheless the company said Aston Martin is quite profitable.

Aston Martin, headquartered in Gaydon, England, produces about 5,000 cars annually. Each car costs more than $100,000. Considering the standards set by Ford, Aston Martin is not sharing its engineering and auto parts with the rest of Ford brands. Even when the automaker endeavors to make its operations global, the company is preserving the philosophy and standards of Aston Martin.

According to an executive presentation, analysts in the industry said they would prefer that Ford sell the Jaguar brand, which lost more than $700 million last year. The report also predicted that the brand would lose $550 million this year and $300 million in 2008.

Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. She is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.

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Ford Closes Aston Martin's $848M Sale

The Ford Motor Co., in the second quarter of this year, will close the controversial sale of its British luxury sports car brand. Aston Martin, after twenty years with Ford, was valued at $925 million. Ford retained a small stake which is worth $77 million hence the purchaser acquired the brand for $848 million.

Under the terms of the sales agreement announced at Aston Martin's headquarters last Monday in Gaydon, England, the automaker will sell Aston Martin to a consortium led by motor racing entrepreneur David Richards. His partners include Aston Martin enthusiast John Sinders and two Kuwait investment firms - the Investment Dar and the Adeem Investment Co. Ford is expected to continue to supply vital components such as engines to the new owners of the brand but it will no longer have a say in routine operations.

Richards said that Ford will long be remembered for saving Aston Martin - the brand best known as superspy James Bond's vehicle of choice. "They've been a superb custodian," Richards said. "The task we now have is to build on the strong foundation Ford has left us with."

"Aston Martins were cars you only used every now and then," said Garel Rhys, the director of the Centre for Automotive Industry at Cardiff University in Wales. "You might take one out on the weekend or to a wedding, but only if you were willing to risk being late."

Aston Martin went bankrupt several times before Ford acquired it. The Ford before was the antithesis of the Ford Motor Co. today. With cash overflowing, the Dearborn automaker saw Aston Martin as a key to fill in the international sports car spot in its lineup. "Ford probably feels it's as good as it gets -- and it probably is," Rhys added. Even if Aston Martin remains profitable, Rhys said it will require a major investment to bring new models to market when its current stable reaches the end of its useful life. Rhys also noted that standalone automakers have not been successful in today's marketplace, adding that Aston Martin will have to buck this trend if it is to survive.

But other experts in the auto industry contend otherwise. Justin Mirro, the managing director of Jeffries investment bank and head of its automotive group, said that the deal negotiated between Ford and the consortium is a sound one. "The new ownership of Aston Martin is committed to growing the business globally while protecting the integrity of the brand," said Mirro. "No one is better equipped to lead this growth than David Richards, a passionate supporter of motorsport racing and a successful developer of global brands for many of the automotive OEMs."

Lewis Booth, the head of Ford's European operations, said the decision to sell off Aston Martin makes sense. The automaker, which posted a $12.7 billion loss in 2006, is still in the long process of recovery. Its major restructuring plan would likely to cost billions more. Aston Martin may be profitable, but the automaker needs a timely financial aid to defray restructure expenses. "For Ford, this is a bittersweet day," Booth said. But he added Aston Martin was "a logical divestiture choice. Aston Martin will continue to have a great owner, committed to its future."

After the sale, the automaker will concentrate more on its bread and butter vehicles and is expected to continue with the revelations of new product lines. Its best-selling F-Series, which is equipped with Banks Power and other refined auto parts, will continue to reap the utmost attention from the automaker.

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today. You can visit Banks Power for more information.

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Aston Martin May Be Sold This Week

Ford is experiencing the worst problem that it has faced in its entire existence. As a part of their restructuring plan, aside from cutting down the number of vehicles delivered to rental fleet, they have announced that one of their luxury brands has been put up in the market and is currently for sale. There have been many rumors as to who would buy the luxury brand. The brand in question is, of course, that one which created the car made famous by James Bond - the Aston Martin.

Reuters recently reported that the Ford Motor Company may reveal the sale of Aston Martin within this week. The leading provider of news all over the world reported that the brand may be sold for more than $865 million. A reliable source revealed that the sale may be concluded as early as this week although it is not yet being confirmed by Ford. In fact, not a word has come out of Ford regarding the issue after Reuters reported the projected date of the sale.

According to Reuters, Formula One team Prodrive seems to be the most possible owner of the marque. Reports added that the Formula One team is working with Egypt’s Naeem investment bank for financial aid perhaps. Although there are other bidders that may come out as the new owner of the luxury performance car brand, Prodrive is being viewed as the new machine that will shape the future of Aston Martin. Other interested bidders include the UK buyout firm Doughty Hanson. It seems that Ford is having talks with a host of interested parties for the sale of Aston Martin. If new developments arise, the projected time of the conclusion of the deal may still be delayed.

Another party interested in the acquisition of Aston Martin is the Syrian-born property tycoon Simon Halabi.

It can be remembered that Ford announced last year that they are looking to sell the ailing luxury brand in order to generate the much needed funds for other businesses that the company is in. The decision was reached after the further slide in terms of sales being experienced by the U.S. car maker. Although they have announced that they are willing to sell the brand either partially or entirely, it seems that the talks being conducted lead to the complete sale of the brand. While the sale of the luxury brand is not enough to completely stop the financial problem of Ford Motor as effective as EBC pads in stopping a car but it will definitely give Ford much needed boost in terms of financial status.

While Ford is selling the brand, Ford announced in January that the brand is in good standing due to renewed interest in the brand. The interest of the public on the brand may have been brought on by the talks surrounding the sale of the brand. And, of course, the appearance of Aston Martin cars on James Bond movies certainly did help.

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop. Please visit EBC pads for more information.

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Aston Martin- A Car With a Movie Screen History

Have you ever wondered where the car company name of Aston Martin originated? With headquarters situated in Warwickshire, England, the Aston Martin Lagonda Limited line of luxury cars gathered its name from a hill climber named Aston Clinton and one of the founding fathers of the company, Lionel Martin. The history of the Aston Martin is rather intriguing, seeing as it earned the esteemed respect of being the glamorous auto selection for the series of James Bond books and movies.

The first mention of the vehicle came in the seventh 007 novel, "Goldfinger" (1964), promptly followed by a showing on the silver screen in the movie of the same title. The Aston Martin was then regarded as the company car in "GoldenEye" (1995) and his private vehicle in "Tomorrow Never Dies" (1997). Additional Aston Martin models also made appearances in a variety of James Bond films, including the Volante and Vantage in "The Living Daylights" (1987), the Vanguish in "Die Another Day" (2002). The new DBS was even featured in the latest Bond flick, "Casino Royale" (2006).

The History of Aston Martins

The Aston Martin car company was founded in 1913 with the help of Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford. The two worked with one another to produce their first car under the company name, which incorporated the chassis of a 1908 Isotta-Fraschini and a four-cylinder Coventry-Simplex engine. Before the production of their first car took place, the company would have to overcome the obstacle of World War I, which had both owners serving their country under different branches of military. All of their machinery was lost in the war effort.

After the war, the company was re-founded in Kensington and rejuvenated with new car designs. In 1920, Bamford left the company and funding started to come from a different resource. By 1922, the company produced cars that fared quite well in the French Grand Prix, actually setting records in speed and endurance. Unfortunately, the company went bankrupt in 1924 and was bought by Lady Charnwood, only to see failure again in 1925. The factory closed in 1926, prompting Martin to walk away from the business.

That same year, the company was renamed Aston Martin Motors and received the backing of an assortment of wealthy investors. A known designer was brought in and racers, such as the 1929 Aston Martin International, the Le Mans, and the Ulster became quite successful. It wasn't until 1936 that the company decided to produce cars that were suitable for the open road.

The Second War World slowed production, but in 1947, the company underwent yet another change in leadership. The cars now showcased the signature letters of "DB", marking the initials of the managing director, David Brown. A number of DB series cars flourished, ranging from the DB2 in 1950 to the DB V8 of the 1970s. The V8 lasted until 1988 until the Virage line was introduced, followed by the Vantage in 1992. Several other models would trail, including the V12 Vantage (1999), the V12-engine Vanquish (2001), the convertible DB9 Volante (2004), and the 2006 V8 Vantage sports car.

Aston Martin Cars

Throughout the history of Aston Martin vehicles, there have been many different pre-war and post-war GT and supercars introduced to the public. Before the war, the company was responsible for models, such as the Aston Martin Standard Sports (1921-1925), Aston Martin International Le Mans (1932), and the Aston Martin 15/98 (1937-1939). After the war passed on, a host of "DB" series cars were created, including the Aston Martin 2-Litre Sports (also known as the DB1; 1948-1950), Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato (1961-1963), Aston Martin DB7 (1993-2003), and the 2004 Aston Martin DB9.

Supercars, such as the Aston Martin V8 Vantage hit the market from 1977 to 1989, which was named the First Supercar of Britain. It was valued for its ability to reach speeds of up to 170 mph. During the 90s, the Aston Martin Virage, Aston Martin Vantage, and Aston Martin V8 Coupe/V8 Volante were prime. With the Virage, the public embraced the possibilities of a sleeker, modern design and improved acceleration.

Currently, consumers may purchase Aston Martin cars, such as the V8 Vantage and the V8 Vantage Roadster, which is a light, yet pretty strong vehicle. The DB9 and the DB9 Volante are also on the market, which offers buyers the optional Sport Pack upgrade. The Vanguish S is available today as well, which can reach a top speed of 200 mph.

The Future of Aston Martin Cars

There have been numerous concept cars created throughout the years, including the 1980 Aston Martin Bulldog and 1993 Lagonda Vignale. A recent concept has emerged for the company, which comes in the form of the Aston Martin Rapide. It is likely that this model will become the latest in the line of cars, which will offer a longer, Grand Tourer-style that seats four. Perhaps, you may even see the limited edition line of the Aston Martin DBS that appeared in the Casino Royale film (only 300 of these exist).

VehicleRide is everything the current and future of cars. Find Aston Martin cars at VehicleRide.com. We also have Honda cars, Acura cars, Toyota cars, and many more.

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The 2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400

The 2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400 is a gorgeous car. It is seen by car experts as an even more charged version of the previous V8 Vantage that was released by Aston Martin. The car has even more power and is available as both a coupe and a roadster. The Aston Martins are very popular and are loved for both their engines as well as their sleek looks. The Vantage N400 is a special edition vehicle that is as gorgeous and as it is powerful. History of Aston Martin

Aston Martin is a British vehicle manufacturer that is cantered in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England. It was started by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin in 1913. The two men had partnered to sell cars made by Singer in 1912. The two men decided to make their own cars and named their model the Aston Martin after Martin's love of the hill climb races at Aston Hill (which is near Aston Clinton). The first Aston Martin ever produced was a four cylinder Coventry-simplex engine that was on the chassis of an Isotta Fraschini from 1908. The car was made before they managed to acquire manufacturing premises in Kensington at Henniker Place (this happened in 1915). Unfortunately mass production of their cars could not start as soon as the partner's had hoped because of the outbreak of the first World War, which is when Martin joined the Royal Army Service Corps and they sold all of their machinery to the Sopwith Aviation Company.

The company was re-founded and revitalized after the war ended when the company received financing from Count Louis Zborowski. Bramford left the company in 1920 but not until they had designed a new car.

Over the course of the car's history, Aston Martins have been made to compete in the French Grand Prix (1922); they have set world endurance and speed records at Brooklands. The company has failed two times, once in 1924 and in 1925 with a factory closing taking place in 1926. The company was finally bought by some very rich investors, Lady Charnwood among them, and it was renamed Aston Martin Motors. The company headquarters were moved to Feltham and in 1929 the Aston Martin International racer car was a huge success.

In 2007, the company was purchased by David Richards, who is the Prodrive chairman. It is still co-owned by Ford (a development that happened in 1994). The company has also recently opened dealers in Europe and China. Now the company has dealers in 28 countries.

Aston Martin in the Media

The Aston Martin is most famously the car of that popular super spy, James Bond. The author of James Bond, Ian Fleming, gave his protagonist a DB Mark III in Goldfinger, the seventh James Bond book. The car first appeared on film in 1964 with the release of Goldfinger the movie and quickly became James Bond's company car. In the most recent James Bond movie, two Aston Martin cars are driven: the classic DB5 and the new DB5.

The V8 Vantage N400

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400 was made to commemorate the achievements of Aston Martin at Nurburgring where the car has had extreme success in racing. This is absolutely a race car but it also has a variety of technical upgrades and enhancements to the usual standard range of external specifications.

The most important development in this special edition vehicle is the 4.3 litre V8 engine, which is much more virile than the engines in previous models. The new car has a power of 400bhp and a torque peak of 420Nm. It also comes with a "Sports Pack." This "Sports Pack" is tailored to racing dynamics fans that are in search of a car with superior handling. The Sports Pack is responsible for the car's wheels (aluminum) and turning (diamond), springs (up-rated), dampers and the coupe is equipped with an anti-roll bar. The Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400 comes standard as a two-door coupe that seats two and has a convertible top. It has a six-speed transmission and the Sports Package comes with a sport shift option. It has sports suspension and cruise control.

This car also comes standard with satellite navigation, a premium audio system, exterior mirrors that are power fold, heated memory seats, cruise control and even preparation for the Bluetooth telephone.

Options of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400

The N400 has a ton of special options that buyers can order to enhance what is already a magnificent vehicle. American buyers can choose to add a Satellite radio system and Roadster owners can choose to add a wind deflector and hood colors. Buyers in the UK can choose to add a tracking device. Other special options include an alarm upgrade, a battery conditioner and an auto-dimming interior rear view mirror. There are also the options of including an alternative brake caliper finish as well as a smoker's pack.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400 is going to be a rare car as only two hundred and forty of them will be made and they are already in great demand. Aston Martins, as a rule are rare as the company's history has led to less than fifteen thousand of them being produced. These spectacular cars are the dream of every car enthusiast in the world.

Because of the rarity of these cars, the reviews are few and far between. In fact, a web search will only turn up basic information gathered from the Aston Martin website and a bunch of photos. Car enthusiasts agree, the car is absolutely gorgeous and is being drooled over by car fanatics from all over the world.

The Aston Martin Company hasn't had an easy time of it, but there is no doubt that the cars created by this company are superior to almost every other car on the road. They are beautiful and extremely sporty. After all, no matter what the stakes in a poker game might be, James Bond would not drive just any car, right?

Search and post new cars, used cars, luxury cars, prestige cars, concept cars, sports cars, hydro cars, SUVs, CUVs, convertibles, trucks, pickups, vans, minivans, coupes, sedans and read car reviews at VehicleRide.com.

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2007 Aston Martin DB9 Volante

One day I visited a place where they had some of the most sophisticated vehicles on the planet. The automobile that caught my eyes was the 2007 Aston Martin DB9 Volante which was the only one left on the lot of that particular kind. This car had been on the market for a year which makes it a veterans automobile of the year. I love this car because of its simplicity and convenience. This automobile is an convertible with a sandstorm leather furnish. The 2007 Aston Martin DB9 Volante looks small, but actually its very spacious inside if you look inside.

The 2007 Aston Martin DB9 Volante that I had seen was a dark navy midnight blue automobile. The mileages on this car was 2200 miles inside the engine itself which is perfect due to the fact it's $15,000 dollars. Another thing that surprise me is that the 2007 Aston Martin DB9 Volante is fully operated automatic usage. The engine is a 12 cylinder gasoline glorifying engine. It comes with a touch tronic transmission built inside. The automobile has a updated ready navigation system.

The heated driver seat is built specifically for a king in my opinion. With traction control there is no vehicle accidents on the road if used correctly. Just like the cars of today, the 2007 Aston Martin DB9 Volante has power locks. This car doesn't just come with a built in compact disc player, but you can actually take it out or keep it inside you automobile. When you buy a car like the 2007 Aston Martin DB9 Volante don't forget about the aluminum wheels that comes with the package. Overall, I give this car an 10/10 because of the durability of the automobile.

My name is Jay Pleas. I'm an auto mechanic and interior designer that spends most of my time buying autos and detailing them for many customers. At this time I make $100,000 a year maintaining my own car interior business. I live in Florida. I'm 28 years of age.

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