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I agree on all counts. I think the new Jaguar XE is key. How that vehicle is received globally will have repercussions for how Tata moves forward, with platform sharing etc.
I like the idea of saloon car Range Rovers. The brand is very strong (unlike Rover), and so it can be done.
Ever checked the order portfolio of Aston Martin during the past three years? The British brand is thriving in China and the Middle East. Especially for these markets they created this stunning Aston Martin Lagonda Mark 2. It'll come to Europe, but the big business will come from the markets I just mentioned. You can buy it in 2016:
And the original Mark 1 Lagonda:
And then there's this stunning race-track-only car, the new Aston Martin Vulcan:
And the Aston Martin DBX Concept was in Geneva too:
So it's not true. Aston Martin is in wunderful shape right now.
I'm sure that there is a growing market for 'custom' high end vehicles. The super rich among us are growing in number, and there is an increasing desire to stand out from the rest of the plebs. Standard Mercs and Bimmers just don't cut it for this crowd. They don't necessarily have good taste, but they certainly have money.
So I can appreciate there is a market for something rare like Aston Martin. Jensen will need some really good marketing, like Bond or something else, to elevate into the consciousness of this customer group.
Also its predecessor, the 541S was wunderful:
As you can see, the newclay model is also based on this Jensen CV8.
If you look at the size of the company, I just don't think it's big enough to survive on its own in the long term.
Not a fan of the Lagonda either.
@bondjames be completely reassured about the quality of both Land Rover and Jaguar.
Both were fixed under Ford ownership and Tata have progressed that aspect of things even further.
I drive both and despite the fact that my XKR is now 16 years old I haven't had any trouble. It goes like a bird.
The issue for me is their go forward plan for both marques pertaining to design and individuality.
If they distance Land-rover from it's all terrain, work and sport roots it will be a disaster and they will loose the specificity of the brand.
Personally, I hate the Evoque but like what they have done with the Range Rover and the Range Rover Sport. Plans for the Disco also look strong albeit I think it's a huge mistake to discontinue the Defender (particularly when you've got it in SP) and to loose the Free Lander name — although I did hear that the latter may be only temporary.
Regarding Jag, I worry — but not about quality, about design. Their rush to develop a harmonious line up to compete with BMW and Audi is taking them out of the luxury sector and into the premium market. Furthermore, it is squeezing the individuality out of the brand.
For me, the problem started when Geoff Lawson died and they replaced him with Ian Callum.
Geoff new how to design truly individual cars whilst Callum, IVNSHO, has smoothed the curves out of the marque and has embarked on a cookie cutter approach.
Technically, the 'F' Type is a fine car but, I'm sad to say, the Porsche Cayman is a hell of a lot more beautiful and cheaper!
As for AM, there is one broken down around every corner. 75% of the vehicles they have built since 2008 have been recalled and a friend of mine that bought a DB9 described it as the Austin Allegro of luxury. He is now happily ensconced in a Bentley.
Putting 007 in a modern AM is putting him in jeopardy. Q branch should know better!
Exactly.
True, but they should move quickly to find a solution because once you have a reputation for poor quality and this level of recall, the road back is very difficult and you need more than 007 to help you out.
Now this I like the look of - what fabulous looking cars.Where have I been all my life?
China alone has more then 2 million millionaires, India has another 15000, and Indonesia has another 36000 millionaires. So I guess the market isn't all that bad in Asia.
The reputation is indeed a problem I wasn't aware of, I thought that was something from the DB7 era. Still, they're coming up with a new platform and AMG engines.
and according to pistonheads the Gaydon cars are all as reliable as you can expect from a marque like Aston.
Sorry,but I think that a 75% recall level (a fact), says it all and I only hope that all these millionaires in Asia just want to look at their AMs and not drive them.
As for "as reliable as you can expect from Aston" - I think if you lay out that sought of wonga, you want reliability and Bentley, Porsche and Jaguar have it in abundance.
A sad state of affairs for a great old marque like AM but you can't live on Bond alone.
Getting back to 007, I'm seriously worried that our hero will be trying to out run Spectre in one of these things.
I have no doubt he will as he's driving a one-off for the film itself. With the amount of new models and exclusives coming out I do have the impression AM is in great shape. As for the recall, that was a precaution, not due to bad workmanship.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/05/us-autos-astonmartin-recall-idUSBREA141T120140205
That could've happened to any marque, as it has happened to one of the biggest and most trusted companies a few times, Toyota:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009–11_Toyota_vehicle_recalls
I think 007 is in great danger of breaking down when he rounds the first corner.
I hope Q is there to push and no, I wouldn't put him in a Toyota. I wouldn't wish that on my greatest enemy let alone my hero!
Generally I agree @Villiers53, but I'm willing to make a one off exception for the beauty below:
[img][/img]
However let us not forget that Aston Martin and Toyota already have a working relationship
AM Signet Anyone ? :-/
Generally I agree @Villiers53, but I'm willing to make a one off exception for the beauty below:
[img][/img]
I'll take the driver and leave the car!
I seen it Autocar @Gustav Grave thank for making thread. Long ago I can't remember they were going to revive Jensen Brand. When it is coming back to life???? There was a website of the revival but the web has gone blank. It will be good the British brand to come to challenge Jaguar as Europe & Asian brands. I remember Simon Dutton who played Simon Templer/The Saint in mini Telemovie in 1989 driving a Jensen which replace the Jaguar XJS. Late Steve Forrest From The SWAT & good friend of Roger Moore in his short British TV series The Baron drove a luxury Jensen big Sedan 4 door. I hope they do that again to challenge Mercedes Benz S-Class,Lexus LS,BMW 7 series & Jaguar Xj. With a big V8. I hope the next Saint drive this revive Jensen instead be reunited Volvo that all 4 Cylinders model brand Boo who >:P