Ford May Deal Luxury Aston Martin Brand
Thursday , August 31, 2006 (Fox News)
DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. (F) said Thursday it is exploring the possible sale of all or part of its Aston Martin luxury brand as the company works to free up cash to pay for its North American turnaround plan.
But it said no decisions have been made about its other luxury car brands which include Jaguar and Land Rover.
"As part of our ongoing strategic review, we have determined that Aston Martin may be an attractive opportunity to raise capital and generate value," Bill Ford, the automaker's chairman and chief executive, said in a statement.
He said the Aston Martin's dealer network, design and size are different from other Ford brands and the most logical choice for possible sale.
He said no decisions have been made about its other Premier Automotive Group brands.
"We continue to be encouraged by Jaguar's progress and by the strength and consumer appeal of the Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo product lineups" he said.
Ford shares rose 4 cents to $8.31 in premarket trading.
In July, Ford pledged to speed up and possibly deepen its North American turnaround plan.
Dearborn-based Ford's "Way Forward" plan, launched in January, calls for shedding 25,000 to 30,000 jobs and closing 14 plants by 2012 to help return Ford's North American automotive operations to profitability.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,211516,00.html