Luxury automakers broaden horizons Nov 4, 2008
Meanwhile, Mercedes' lineup stretches all the way from the hyper-expensive and much-ignored Maybach (which, it is rumoured, is forming an association with now-independent-of-Ford Aston Martin to collaborate on high-end, limited-production automobiles) to the sub-$20,000 Smart ... The Panamera, which grafts the front end of a 911 to the rear of a sleek four-door coupe/sedan will be unveiled within a year and looks to do battle with the likes of Mercedes-Benz's SL and the equally phantasmagorical... (The Province)
Hedge Survivor Nov 2, 2008
Wolnick, people familiar with the matter say, recently flew down to Miami and bought a 2008 Aston Martin Vantage at a repo auction for 85,000 cash. The car carries a sticker price of about 133,000. (New York Post -- Business)
No refuel for Detroits folly Nov 1, 2008
When MG Rover joined Jaguar and Aston Martin (The name is Bond, Junk Bond) on the list of bust brands that were fire-sold to foreigners, I knew it was time to move. Since arriving in the US I have been searching for the American expression for dj vu. (FT.com -- Markets)
Why Ford Needs The GM-Chrysler Deal Done Oct 31, 2008
Though Ford has clung tightly to Ford Credit, it sold weak brands like Jaguar, Land Rover and Aston Martin. It would sell Volvo tomorrow if it could find a buyer, and it is considering selling part of its controlling stake in Mazda (other-otc: - - ). (Forbes -- Business)
Elle Macpherson denies romance with convicted drug smuggler Oct 29, 2008
The rumours of a romance began when she was pictured with the blond removal van boss driving in her Aston Martin convertible through London's upmarket suburb of Chelsea. The News of the World reported Macpherson collected Burgess from a Chelsea car showroom where he had been looking at Jaguar cars. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Gullwing secrets revealed Oct 28, 2008
Mercedes 21st-century interpretation of the Gullwing will also target buyers considering the Porsche 911 Turbo, Aston Martin DB9, Audi R8, and forthcoming Lexus LF-A.. The new Gullwing s mid-front-mounted engine is an enhanced version of AMG s 6. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Supermodel Elle Macpherson denies romantic involvement with 'drug ... Oct 28, 2008
The pair were photographed driving around London in the Australian supermodel's Aston Martin convertible. She has issued a statement in which she "emphatically denies that there is any romantic association" between them, but praises Burgess for turning his life around since leaving prison. (Telegraph.co.uk)
Dream Machines Oct 26, 2008
These include many higher-priced cars from manufacturers such as BMW, Aston Martin and Jaguar, and well as more affordable vehicles from other companies. "We've really seen a shift away from the true concept cars and a migration to what can more accurately be described as prototypes," Diamond says. (San Francisco Chronicle)
British Rocket Car Could Reach 1,000 MPH Oct 24, 2008
In his spare time, he raced his Aston Martin DBRS9 around the Silverstone Circuit racetrack in central England at up to 160 mph. "Andy Green was one of my personal heroes," he said. (Fox News -- Politics)
Good news for county hospitals Oct 24, 2008
The sex appeal of James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 has earned it the title of Britain's most iconic car of all time, a survey revealed. Worcester. (Evesham Journal)
JLR to cut 200 jobs Oct 23, 2008
JLR was earlier a part of Fords Premier Automotive Group, which included Volvo, Mazda and Aston Martin. Tata Motors completed the acquisition process of JLR in June 2008. (India Times)
Baby boomers behind new direction of funeral offerings Oct 19, 2008
One honored the life of a firefighter, complete with folded American flag and sporting the shiny "meteorite" metallic finish of an Aston Martin luxury car. "Consumers are focusing on shapes, colors and finishes," said Batesville spokeswoman Teresa Gyulafia of the 2008 caskets. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Supercars on show Oct 13, 2008
Stung by the loss of iconic brands such as Porsche, Aston Martin, Jaguar, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, motor show organisers have built their own stand, Supercar Central, to add some sizzle to this year s show. But Supercar Central isn t the only must-see destination for supercar fans at this year s show. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Ford promotes European chief Booth to CFO Oct 11, 2008
Booth was named to lead Ford of Europe in 2005 and had served as leader of the company's former premier auto group that included the Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover brands that were sold off as well as its current Volvo brand. Ford also named John Fleming, 57, executive vice president, chairman and CEO of Ford Europe to succeed Booth. (USA Today -- Autos)
Inside the Sydney show Oct 10, 2008
Audi, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Bentley and BMW were all no-shows. But the list of truants doesn t stop there: Citroen, Fiat, Hummer, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Porsche, Proton, Rolls-Royce, Saab, Smart and SsangYong all are conspicuous by their absence. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Ford appoints new chief financial officer Oct 10, 2008
Mr. Booth was named to lead Ford of Europe in 2005 and had served as leader of the company's former premier auto group that included the Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover brands that were sold off as well as its current Volvo brand. Ford also named John Fleming, 57, executive vice-president, chairman and CEO of Ford Europe to succeed Mr. Booth. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Orbitz.com Partners With QUANTUM OF SOLACE to Give Away Seven One-of-a-Kind Trips Inspired by the Upcoming James Bond Film Oct 8, 2008
-- VIP in Vegas - Las Vegas airfare + 3 nights at the 5-Star Wynn Resort in Las Vegas, pick up from the airport by a chauffeur, helicopter excursion to the Grand Canyon, champagne lunch and white water rafting on the Colorado River, an Aston Martin test-drive, private gaming lessons at the Wynn Casino, martinis at a private pool cabana, couples massage at the Wynn Spa, VIP tickets to La Reve, complimentary round of golf for two, bottle service at the Wynn's celebrity studded clubs, and all meals... (PR Newswire)
Want to be an elephant trainer? Learn a new skill on vacation Oct 8, 2008
Lovers of the finer things in lifelike Aston Martin cars and Valrhona chocolatescan learn about them by taking special courses offered by their parent companies ... Learning vacations can teach you everything from how to drive an Aston Martin and gamble in Monte Carlos renowned casinos to how to make truffles using Valrhonas fabled chocolate. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Porsche, Corvette win first Green Challenge Oct 8, 2008
Drayson teamed with Jonny Cocker and Darren Turner for a ninth-place GT2 finish in the Drayson-Barwell Aston Martin Vantage GT2 in last Saturday's Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta. The team has been racing in the ALMS since round three at Long Beach, Calif. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
New Ford targets fuel efficiency Oct 8, 2008
During that year and this it has sold its Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover brands to salvage itself from bankruptcy, and the group is not expecting to be making a profit until next year at the earliest. Europe to the rescue. (BBC News -- Technology)
Which Cars Have Longest Waitlist? Oct 8, 2008
Which Cars Have Longest Waitlist. - Automotive News Story - KPRC Houston. (Click2Houston, TX)
Corvette Racing, Penske Porsches Win Green Challenge(TM) World Debut Oct 6, 2008
The 11 automobile marquees that race in the Series - Audi, Acura, Aston Martin, BMW ('09), Corvette, Dodge, Porsche, Ferrari, Mazda, Panos and Ford - readily admit that the relevancy of the American Le Mans Series and its ability to create an environment to develop technologies is one of the primary reasons they race in the world's leading sports car series. "We have begun something that will have a profound effect on the motorsports and automotive industry," said Scott Atherton, president and... (PR Newswire)
Ken Adam: Creating film sets that are more real than reality Oct 5, 2008
It was he who dreamed up the missile launching pad hidden inside a volcano in "You Only Live Twice," the faux Fort Knox in "Goldfinger" and the candlelit 18th-century drawing rooms of Kubrick's "Barry Lyndon." His ingenious props included Bond's armed Aston Martin DB5 in "Goldfinger" and Underwater Lotus Esprit in "The Spy Who Loved Me," as well as the flying-floating car in "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.". A wonderful raconteur, Adam is an excellent chronicler of his career. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
Luxury brands rev up marketing at Road Atlanta Oct 4, 2008
At this weekend s Petit Le Mans race at Road Atlanta, luxury brands such as Patr;n Tequila and Oakley sunglasses will set up vending or hospitality tents in an effort to associate with the top car brands in the world, such as Audi, Aston Martin, Ferrari and Porsche, and lesser-known but still luxury cars by Panoz Motor Sports. PATR;N SPIRITS CO.. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Pucker up and wear it Sep 18, 2008
Pleasing, then, to hear Kopetjka is driving around in a new Aston Martin ... The good times in Perth include Graeme Rowley of Fortescue driving an Aston Martin, Tony Poli of Aquila Resources with a Maserati and Mark Ashley of Apex Minerals with a Ferrari. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Power, Luxury Key To Bond Film Cars Sep 17, 2008
Through the 46 years and 21 films -- the 22nd, "Quantum of Solace," is due out Nov 14 -- one company has taken its place as the most famous maker of Bond cars: Aston Martin. The Sunbeam Alpine was the first main car used by Sean Connery's Bond in "Dr. No," and it wasn't until the third Bond film, 1964's "Goldfinger," that Connery was behind the wheel of an Aston Martin DB5 ... A new Aston Martin was released prior to "Casino Royale," which came out in 2006 -- the Aston Martin DBS.. (Click2Houston, TX)
BUY: Luxury cars Sep 12, 2008
TOBY HAGON says Aston Martin has got it right with its new baby, the V8 Vantage. Aston Martin V8 Vantage reviews ... Aston Martin V8 Vantage for sale. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
BMW's sleek new coupe Sep 5, 2008
The new four-door coupe-style gran turismo will be based heavily on BMW s 2007 Shanghai motor show Concept CS, and will launch in 2010 as a rival for the Mercedes-Benz CLS3 AMG as well as the forthcoming Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide. The M division is responsible for creating high-performance versions of regular BMWs, including the iconic 3 Series-based M3, though the new GT called CS internally - will be the first non-M-badged car produced by the subsidiary. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
UK car sales stall to lowest level since 1966 Sep 5, 2008
Worst hit were luxury marques and 4x4s, with monthly sales of Aston Martin cars down by two thirds in a year, Land Rover suffering a 58 per cent drop and demand for Porsche models 58 per cent lower than August 2007. advertisement. (Telegraph.co.uk)
Austerity Britain: crunch forces consumers to change habits Sep 5, 2008
The hardest hit were the more expensive marques, with sales of BMW down almost 40%, Land Rover 58% lower, Jaguar down 41%, Mercedes-Benz off 35% and Aston Martin down 67% according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The figures on pension contributions and savings were culled from government data by stockbroker Hargreaves Lansdown. (guardian.co.uk)
Aston Martin to revive Lagonda brand for growth Sep 2, 2008
FRANKFURT, Sept 1 (Reuters) - UK classic sports car maker Aston Martin plans to launch a second brand with a unique design, reviving the Lagonda name to target a broader base of luxury customers in emerging markets. "We remain limited in our market penetration by the pure character of our cars," Chief Executive Ulrich Bez said in a statement on Monday, adding it was time to think about a longer-term future for Aston Martin after 16 months in private ownership ... Having bought Aston Martin in... (Reuters)
Aston Martin plans to revive the legendary Lagonda to pull away ... Sep 2, 2008
Aston Martin plans to revive the legendary Lagonda to pull away from sports cars - Times Online ... Aston Martin plans to revive the legendary Lagonda to pull away from sports cars ... Aston Martin will revive its famous Lagonda brand in an attempt to broaden its range and move beyond producing sports cars only. (Times Online)
Austria's Polytec Acquires German Auto-Parts Maker Peguform From Cerberus Aug 30, 2008
The Austrian company's products include trunk compartments for the Audi A4 Avant and bumpers for the Aston Martin Vanquish, according to its Web site. Its top customer is BMW, followed by Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz car division. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
English country retreatsworth every pound Aug 30, 2008
Picture yourself tooling along a hedge-lined driveway in an Aston Martin, silk scarf billowing behind you. A grand, moss-covered mansion comes into view, where a uniformed butler awaits. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Mansion arson plot thickens: A murder mystery or a family on the ... Aug 30, 2008
In the 15-acre grounds, Mr Foster kept his sports cars a Porsche, a Ferrari, and an Aston Martin and a Range Rover. They were housed in the garage, which was beside the stable where Mrs Foster and Kirstie kept three horses Breezy, Bramble and Scrumpy Jack. (Independent)
Coupe concept's French flair Aug 28, 2008
Peugeot s Lion badge has been supersized for the sleek-looking RC concept, a four-door GT coupe that joins the likes of the VW Passat CC and forthcoming Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide in mimicking the Mercedes-Benz CLS.. The RC evolves styling of previous Peugeot concepts 2002 s RC Spade and RC Diamond, and 2006 s 908 RC as well as using the two capital letters that signify the company s sports models in mainland Europe (instead of GTI as in markets such as Australia and UK). (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Chrysler may divest Viper Aug 28, 2008
Ford chief executive Alan Mulally sold Aston Martin for $931 million in 2007 to a group led by UK auto-racing champion David Richards, and Jaguar and Land Rover for $2. 4 billion in June to India's Tata Motors Ltd. Ford also contributed about $600 million to Jaguar and Land Rover's pension funds. (Boston Globe)
* World Business Quick Take Aug 28, 2008
Aston Martin has released scant details and sketches of its new super car codenamed One-77 that will sell for at least 1 ... Each of the 77 limited edition Aston Martins will be tailored to the individual buyer and the engineers and designers will work out the exact specifications with the future owner. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Best and worst fuel-efficient automakers Aug 28, 2008
Two fuel-efficient races to win: best car and best all-around automaker. Toyota Prius is No. 1 car -- hybrid technology gives 48 city miles on a gallon. (CNN -- Tech)
Chrysler puts its Dodge Viper brand up for sale Aug 28, 2008
5 billion and earlier sold Aston Martin for just shy of $1 billion. Viper won't bring in nearly as much as Aston Martin, says Kevin Tynan, an analyst at Argus Research. (USA Today -- Autos)
GM receives Gulf Arab interest in Hummer Aug 27, 2008
there is a precedent in the cases of Aston Martin, Ferrari or Daimler and those kinds of solutions could be very realistic solutions, General Motors Middle East Managing Director Terry Johnson said in an interview. General Motors is readying sales documents for its Hummer brand and has initial expressions of interest from potential buyers that it hopes to develop into formal sale talks, the automakers chief executive said on Aug 21. (MSNBC -- International)
VW Passat CC GT Aug 25, 2008
Reader Nigel Smith wants to trade in his motorbike after a lap in an Aston Martin. MPH featuring Top Gear Live. (Times Online)
The name's Bond... Aug 22, 2008
On display are some of the extraordinary vehicles featured in the Bond films the AMC Hornet used to chase the villain, Scaramanga, in 'The Man with The Golden Gun', the Aston Martin Volante from 'The Living Daylights', the BMW R1200 Motorcycle, used in the chase sequence in 'Tomorrow Never Dies' and every Bond fan's favourite on-screen vehicle the amphibious Lotus Submarine Car from 'The Spy Who Loved Me' with the famous wheel arches that turned into fins ... On 25 August, Bletchley Park... (iAfrica.com)
Win on Sunday, sell on Monday? Aug 21, 2008
Audi, Peugeot, Aston Martin and others spend huge sums hosting parties for invited guests who are given special-access passes worth hundreds of euros if you could buy them. Audi, which has made Le Mans its own for a decade now, has won the race five straight times and for the last half-decade has used it to showcase quattro all-wheel drive (AWD), direct fuel injection, and diesel engine technology. (Globe and Mail)
Phelps 'enjoying the ride' as he departs Olympics Aug 20, 2008
"I've been looking at some Aston Martins and some Maseratis. It would be pretty sweet to get an old-school Aston Martin, some of the old-school (James) Bond ones. That would be sick.". Phelps famously hates to lose, whether it's in the pool or playing video games. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
Top Gear YouTube channel launched Aug 19, 2008
Top Gear TouTube channel launched - Web User News. Photography tips & tricks. (Web User)
Gooding & Company Announces $31 Million in Sales from First Evening's Consignments Including $7.92 Million Pebble Beach Record for the 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante Coupe Aug 18, 2008
A 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II Convertible that was a gift from long-time friend and actor, John Travolta, and a 1997 Aston Martin DB7 Volante were also sold. Proceeds will benefit the annual Arts and Culture Workshop at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls - South Africa. (PR Newswire)
Take a Spin in a Billion Dollar Hydrogen Car Aug 16, 2008
WASHINGTON DC (WUSA) -- Thumb your nose at a Maserati, give a big raspberry to that Aston Martin -- today was a chance for dozens of people from our area to drive the hydrogen cars of the future. Nearly a dozen manufacturers are throwing down billion dollar bets on hydrogen cars. (W-USA News, DC)
U.S. automakers poised to shed brands Aug 15, 2008
Ford - which has sold its British brands Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover in the past couple of years - has said it has no plans to sell Mercury, a brand that many analysts have said the automaker can do without. Valuation multiples for a U.S. automotive brand would reflect the industry's current distress, analysts and bankers said. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Porsche's four-door too good Aug 14, 2008
They nominated the Maserati Quattroporte and forthcoming Aston Martin Rapide as other serious rivals. Meanwhile, Porsche has apparently abandoned any thought of developing the sub-Cayenne 4WD dubbed Roxster in the press. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Lincoln MKS Makes the Grade Aug 14, 2008
For years, it neglected the once-iconic American brand as it poured billions into buying and trying to fix Jaguar, Land Rover, and Aston Martin. Within the last year, Ford has jettisoned all three of these British brands. (BusinessWeek)
Aston Martin One-77: Cost 1.2 million Aug 11, 2008
Aston Martin One-77: Cost 1 ... Aston Martin One-77: Cost 1 ... Aston Martin has announced that they are to build a new super-exclusive coupe car; it will be codenamed One-77. (Product Reviews)
European sports car makers feel like an endangered species in EU emissions war Aug 10, 2008
As Europe's giant car makers do battle with environmentalists and legislators over emissions curbs, makers of classic European sports cars such the Aston Martin DB9, Ferrari F430 and Porsche 911 are struggling to be heard ... Niche manufacturers making less than 10 000 vehicles a year, such as Britian's Aston Martin, will be able to negotiate individual targets with the EU. ... "We don't believe the intention is to make us extinct," said Bradley Yorke-Biggs, the director of strategy at Aston... (Business Report, South Africa)
David Richards Q&A on the One-77 Aug 9, 2008
What's the purpose of Aston Martin One-77 ... Will you use a carbon chassis for other Aston Martin models ... Is the Aston Martin One-77 a technology demonstrator in other ways. (Autocar)
Businessman Decapitates Himself in Sports Car Suicide Aug 9, 2008
In a grim attempt at revenge against his estranged wife, a British businessman committed suicide by decapitation in his Aston Martin sports car, the U.K.'s Daily Mail reported Friday ... The businessman then reportedly tied one end of a rope he kept in his Aston Martin convertible to a tree and wrapped the other end of it around his neck as he sat in the driver's seat. (Fox News)
Aston turns up the flash Aug 9, 2008
Aston Martin loses its staid British image with the flashy new One-77 ... The car is the first all-new Aston Martin since Ford sold the brand to an investor group spearheaded by David Richards of Prodrive. (iAfrica.com)
Revenge husband decapitated himself Aug 8, 2008
Gerald Mellin, 54, tied one end of a rope to a tree, then climbed into his open-top Aston Martin DB7 with the other end around his neck ... An eye-witness told the hearing how the Aston Martin passed her just after midnight on Mumbles Road on September 14. (WalesOnline)
CO2 pressures Europe's sports car culture Aug 7, 2008
APThe Aston Martin DB9, with a V-12 engine that kicks it up to 185 miles an hour, is also on the high end when it comes to carbon dioxide emissions ... BRUSSELS, Belgium - As Europe's giant car makers do battle with environmentalists and lawmakers over emissions curbs, makers of classic European sports cars like the Aston Martin DB9, Ferrari F430 and Porsche 911 are struggling to be heard ... Break for smaller companiesNiche manufacturers making less than 10,000 vehicles a year will be able to... (MSNBC -- Environment)
Adieu Lamborghini, Aston Martin and Ferrari? Aug 6, 2008
Adieu Lamborghini, Aston Martin and Ferrari ... Adieu Lamborghini, Aston Martin and Ferrari ... As giant European carmakers battle environmentalists and lawmakers over emissions curbs, makers of classic European sports cars like the Aston Martin DB9, Ferrari F430 and Porsche 911 are concerned the new laws will destroy their lifeblood. (International Herald Tribune -- Technology)
Auto racing: Personalities power American Le Mans Series Aug 5, 2008
Drayson drives an Aston Martin car No. 007 in the ALMS' GT2 class. A study of the driver bios on the ALMS Web site turned up some other interesting nuggets. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Cars, camera, action Aug 1, 2008
In the new Bond movie, Quantum Of Solace, which opens on November 27, Bond will use the Aston Martin DBS V12 in a car chase around Lake Garda, Italy; Ford GTs; and an Alfa Romeo 159. Page 1 of 3 | 1 Related News And Reviews. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Which Cars Are Mostly Driven By Men? Jul 30, 2008
Which Cars Are Mostly Driven By Men. Wednesday, July 30, 2008, 10:34 am. (WNBC.com, NY)
Just the cars for a tough economy Jul 26, 2008
(If you happen to be rich as Croesus and shopping for a Maserati or an Aston Martin) ... The Aston Martin V8 Vantage and the Maserati GranTurismo S are beautiful, irrelevant cars - an evenly matched set of luxury-performance cuff links ... Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati are planting dealerships in places like Moscow, Beijing, and Shanghai as fast as the concrete will dry. (Boston Globe)
Mercedes-Benz E-class under threat Jul 24, 2008
Think David Brown of Aston Martin fame and you can see that the Mittals are in great company. How focused and devoted they are will mark whether they succeed or not. (India Times)
Ford hits slow lane with $US8.7b loss Jul 24, 2008
04 billion) a year ago before the company sold its Jaguar, Land Rover and Aston Martin nameplates. Excluding those brands, revenue would have been down slightly, with lower volume partly offset by favourable exchange. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
