German sports car maker, Porsche, may soon be doing the unthinkable: offering at least one four cylinder powered model in their product mix.

Porsche, along with most other automakers, has suffered tremendously this year as sales have plunged by more than 17% through August 2008. In August, Porsche’s sales were down a whopping 45%; both figures apply to the US market only.

A Four Cylinder Engine For Porsche?

The decision to build a car with a four cylinder engine hasn’t been finalized, but it is something that Porsche believes that they must consider in order to garner more sales. Several years ago Porsche boldly expanded its product line up by adding an SUV, the Porsche Cayenne, a vehicle that alarmed purists but helped stoke the company’s bottom line.

By introducing the Cayenne, Porsche contended that they were losing sales to BMW and Mercedes as families who needed more room were forced to look beyond Porsche’s two-seater product offerings. With the SUV market expanding, adding this type of vehicle was deemed to be critical to helping Porsche.

Cayenne Sales Are Up For The Year

Apparently, Porsche is doing well with the Cayenne as its year to date truck sales are up almost 4% for the year, according to Autodata Corp. who tracks this information. Cayenne is the only vehicle sold by Porsche under the truck category.

If Porsche chooses to add a four cylinder engine to its product mix, it wouldn’t be a strange engine for Porsche. As recently as the 1980s, both the Porsche 924 and 944 models offered four cylinder engines, a technology Porsche traces all the way back to the 1930s.

Targeting the Boxster

The likeliest recipient for a four cylinder engine would be the Porsche Boxster, the smallest and lightest of all Porsche models. Some analysts are theorizing that Porsche could easily make the transition to a four cylinder engine by removing two cylinders from a current six cylinder engine and coming up with a 2.4L flathead four cylinder.

Another option would be for Porsche to harvest an existing four cylinder engine from partner Volkswagen and modifying it according to their needs. The two automakers have a long history of sharing technology and co-developing vehicles with the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne underpinned by the same truck platform.

Lastly, Porsche might also consider developing an all-new model, perhaps a four passenger sport sedan to expand its product line and to provide a fuel efficient model. That move would further infuriate Porsche loyalists, but in face of the current economic climate and concerns about global energy, a hotrod compact sedan might be the direction Porsche will go.

According to Automotive Lease Guide (ALG), which is “the leading source for automotive residual values and analytical data products, as well as consulting services for automotive manufacturers, finance companies, and fleet companies” and also offers “tips and tools for vehicle leasing to help… calculate monthly payments, understand residual values, and gain knowledge about the automotive industry in general” to consumers, Honda is one of the top performers in their Perceived Quality Score (or PQS) survey. This survey monitors consumer confidence in mainstream car brands. Honda has placed in this survey for many years running. In the words of James Clark, ALG’s general manager, (Honda has) “maintained a long history of durable and reliable powertrains, which resonates with consumers and often leads them to rate other characteristics like safety and design positively as well.”

If you would like to purchase a new or certified used Honda, or perhaps lease a Honda vehicle, then there is no better place to start than Brickell Honda of Miami. Check out BrickellHonda.com for more information, or visit BrickellHondaDirect.com to get a free quick quote on a Honda in 7 minutes or less.

More on Brickell:

The Brickell Honda finance team has you covered when it comes to finding a low interest car loan in Miami. We work with a network of financial institutions to make our customer’s dreams of owning a Honda come true. Get started right away on an auto loan you can afford by completing our online finance application.

Our greater Miami Honda auto repair center has the resources to keep your vehicle running as well as it did the day you drove it off the lot. Brickell Honda’s skilled mechanics have spent years working on Honda autos and will accurately diagnose your vehicle’s problem. Sign up for your Honda car repair appointment right now by completing our online service appointment form.

Brickell Honda offers Honda auto parts to the Miami area so that you can maintain your vehicle on your own. Our genuine Honda parts will keep your vehicle in top condition for many years to come. Order auto parts online, and then visit our dealership to pick up your auto parts or accessories when they arrive.

All of the employees at Brickell Honda would like to thank you for your interest in our dealership. Call us anytime at 888-259-5362, or visit us in person at 665 Southwest 8th Street, Miami, FL 33130. We look forward to having the opportunity to earn your business.

Both the Mercedes-Benz A 160 CDI and Mercedes-Benz B 200 CDI have achieved well-above-average results in all areas. According to the institute Oko Trend, the two Mercedes models have obtained excellent values in terms of fuel consumption and exhaust/noise emissions plus excel in virtue of its environmentally friendly production, materials and logistics.

The Oko Trend institute was so impress with the two Mercedes-Benz models that it said, “The Mercedes-Benz A 160 CDI may be seen as one of the most eco-friendly vehicles with a conventional drive system. The development phase for this compact car was already based on a comprehensive environmental concept which takes the entire lifecycle of the vehicle into consideration. Numerous specific measures have reduced emissions during the production and operation of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class by approximately 17 percent compared to the preceding model. All in all, Mercedes has set new ecological standards for conventionally powered vehicles with the new A-Class.”

The Mercedes-Benz A 160 CDI has a fuel consumption of 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers with a corresponding CO2 emission of 128 grams. Based on the research conducted by the Oko Trend, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class is distinguished by a “high degree of variability and spaciousness, as well as convincing environmental credentials”. The Oko Trend institute has high regards for the power unit of the Mercedes-Benz B 200 CDI saying, “The 140hp diesel is equipped with a particulate filter as standard. Thanks to a high torque of 300 Nm, which is already available from 1600 rpm, this engine allows a relaxed style of driving and early upshifts. A fuel consumption of six liters per 100 km is feasible in practice. All in all, therefore, the Mercedes B 200 CDI achieves a very good environmental rating.” The Institute also stressed the high ecological standards that generally apply at Mercedes-Benz.

Aside from the environmentally friendly standards that Mercedes-Benz is implementing it is also renowned for its high level of safety features. Every component added to a Mercedes vehicle is carefully scrutinized and tested for quality and durability especially in terms of safety parts like Mercedes brakes which are the primary safety features of a Benz car. Mercedes brake parts are manufactured and designed by the carmaker itself to further ensure quality. This is in keeping with the long tradition of the automaker in creating not only top-of-the-line vehicles but also producing high quality auto parts.

The Oko Trend Institute for Environmental Research is founded by the Bergische University of Wuppertal and has been publishing research reports regarding the eco-friendliness of car models since 1997. And last year this financially independent and neutral institute has expanded their analytical activities and started giving their internationally renowned Oko Trend Car Environment Certificate. These certificates are awarded only to vehicles which meet the particularly high environmental standards set by the institute. In making their assessment, the specialists take not only the vehicle specific criteria such as exhaust/noise emissions and fuel consumption but also take into consideration the environmental parameters relating to production, logistics, including the manufacturer’s environmental management systems. And that’s not all; vehicles need to obtain at least 90 percent of the maximum score in all assessment criteria in order to be awarded with the car Environment Certificate.

At present only 15 car models worldwide were given the Certificate and two of them were from Mercedes-Benz: one from the Mercedes compact class and Mercedes compact van class.

With all of these choices, which is the best choice for you? Well to clearly identify that you need to take a trip down to your local Mazda shop and test drive a few, stop by Mazda parts and service to look over your choice of accessories, as once you have a Mazda you will have to make it your very own. There are so many ways to dress up and make your Mazda stand out in the crowd; it would truly be a shame not to take advantage of them.

Whether you are in Mazda USA, Mazda Canada, or Mazda Japan, you will find a high quality well performing vehicle for your needs. Unfortunately for you United States and Canada folks, you will have to take a backseat on the Mazda Bongo, which will be primarily sold in Japan. We’re talking kitchen units, fold out beds, and elevated roof for heightened adult comfort. Great comfort, decent economy, and a look that will bring you back to the days of tie dye and flowers in your hair, that is what is know as the Mazda Bongo.

Mazda is not all performance cars and hippy vans of course; in fact there is quite a line of classy family coupes and sedans that would great in just about anyone’s driveway. The Mazda Protege, also known as the Mazda 323 has been around since 1976 when it was first introduced as a rear wheel drive economy based compact. Built to last the Mazda Protege is not as of yet extinct, but has been promoted as the all new Mazda 3.

The all new Mazda 3 has a much roomier feel these days, and the engine choices will have you humming the entire way to work. They are all around great cars for everyone from your father to your teenager. The Mazda 3 is a definite winner. But if three is this good; you just have to wonder what the six could be.

The Mazda 626 came in around the same time as the 323, and was considered to be a moderately upscale compact with more flair and comfort than the 323. Just a few years later the Mazda 626 would be called Motor Trends import car of the year, and Mazda was definitely looking like they were going to be around for awhile. Now if a sport coupe was more to your liking then all you had to do was remove the last two numbers, and the Mazda 6 was the car for you.

The Mazda 6 was a rather nice performer compared to the previous 626, and could be woken up even more with its optional 2.2 liter turbo engine. Sold to the consumer at various trim levels the Mazda 6 definitely had a sporty feel; with a leather interior, 3-way adjustable suspension, ABS brakes, and electric sunroof the Mazda 6 was albeit not as sporty as the Mazda RX-7, but was definitely the next best thing. Now if ripping the streets is not your thing and an occasional romp through the trails is more your speed, then the Mazda tribute, which is actually based on the Mazda 626 platform, should be your weapon of choice.

The Mazda Tribute is a small crossover SUV, designed for the city folk with a country heart. With a four or six cylinder engine and firmer ride, the Tribute makes a great all around family transporter. But once again, Mazda did not quit here. Today’s buyer now has the option of the all new Mazda CX-7, which is considered to be “the SUV you never saw coming”. Sleek, Muscular, and performance car handling brings the CX-7 into the next millennium singing “Zoom, zoom, zoom” all the way to the grocery store!

“Our objective for this campaign is to motivate customers to experience for themselves the superior driving culture offered by the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class.” explains Dr. Olaf Göttgens, Vice President of Brand Communications for Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars.

“All communication measures for the C-Class are therefore geared toward direct contact with our customers and potential buyers. Along with our tried advertising methods, we will also be focusing strongly on various forms of direct communication for the C-Class, to be implemented at exclusive driving events. These measures will be accompanied by a C-Class Mobile Marketing Special, a presentation within Second Life and interactive films on the Internet — innovative platforms that will enable us to reach existing and potential customers of our brand in a targeted manner.”

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class marketing campaign is not exclusive for the German market. Mercedes Car Group is refining the “C-for Yourself” campaign to make it adapt in the requirements of the international market. Early this April, Mercedes will start launching the advertisement campaigns in high circulation publications such as magazines and newspapers. Mercedes will also target cable channels and TV stations throughout Germany by creating 30- or 40-second TV commercial featuring Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1 driver and current Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso.

Mercedes will also conquer the online internet market with the launch of the exciting multimedia Mercedes-Benz C-Class configurator, interactive online films, and video podcast.

The interactive Mercedes-Benz C-Class configurator allows the visitors to view the specs and features of the sedan and build their own package for the vehicle depending on their personality. Visitors can select the desired available interior and exterior parts and accessories, technical parts like Mercedes engine types or Mercedes control arm, as well as body colors and interior trims for the C-Class. Meanwhile, the online community will have a chance to be part of Mercedes’ several interactive films. These films show individuals that describe the important details, capability, and performance of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan while they take a ride with the vehicle. Lastly, consumers can download the video podcast from Mercedes-Benz in four episodes that showcase the development process of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

With these various marketing campaigns for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class model, the German automaker aims to “convince customers around the world of the advantages of the versatile product concept behind the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, including two distinct front-end designs and outstanding comfort, agility and safety.”

Ford Motor Company succeeded in selling the Aston Martin Division last March, when the deal was made to a consortium of big time investors lead by racing executive Dave Richards. The group also included John Sinders, a famous Aston Martin collector and two other Kuwaiti firms of Investment Dar and Adeem Investment Co.

“The deal gets Ford liquidity it desperately needs to help restore its higher-volume product lines, and it leaves Aston Martin in good hands, as well.” Dave Healy, an analyst at Burnham Securities was quoted as saying before the Dearborn automaker put its luxury brand up for sale.

In a statement before the sale, Ford CEO and President Allan Mullaly said, “The sale of Aston Martin supports the key objectives of the company, to restructure to operate profitably at lower volumes and changed model mix and to speed the development of new products,”

Ford announced in March that it would receive $848 million and retain a $77 million stake in Aston Martin.

The transaction of the maker of the Aston Martin catalytic converter was completed in the second quarter of this year. Becky Sanch, Ford spokeswoman confirmed that they have not completely given away the sports car division because the automaker retained a stake by receiving preferred stock from Primrose Cove Ltd., the holding company of the group that acquired Aston Martin.

On Tuesday Ford received $931 million in cash and preferred stock for its sale of a controlling stake in the popular luxury brand.

Ford’s Jaguar and Rover divisions, also part of the Ford Premier Auto Group are also being prepared for disposal as Ford continues on its plan to bounce back from its recent financial troubles.

Enzo Ferrari never intended to produce road cars when he formed Scuderia Ferrari in 1929 as a sponsor for amateur drivers headquartered in Modena. Ferrari prepared and successfully raced various drivers in Alfa Romeo cars until 1938, when he was officially hired by Alfa as head of their racing department.

In 1940, Alfa Romeo was absorbed by the Fascist government of Benito Mussolini as part of the Axis Powers’ war effort. Enzo Ferrari’s division was small enough to be unaffected by this. Because he was prohibited by contract from racing for four years, the Scuderia briefly became Auto Avio Costruzioni Ferrari, which ostensibly produced machine tools and aircraft accessories. Also known as SEFAC (Scuderia Enzo Ferrari Auto Corse), Ferrari did in fact produce one race car, the Tipo 815, in the non-competition period; it was thus the first actual Ferrari car (it debuted at the 1940 Mille Miglia), but due to World War II it saw little competition. In 1943 the Ferrari factory moved to Maranello, where it has remained ever since. The factory was bombed by the Allies in 1944 and rebuilt in 1946, with the war ended and the Mussolini government overthrown, to include a works for road car production. Right up to Il Commendatore’s death, this would remain little more than a source of funding for his first love, racing.

“Scuderia Ferrari” literally means “Ferrari Stable”; the name is figuratively translated as “Team Ferrari”. (It is correctly pronounced “skoo deh REE ah”.)

shelved plans for an IPO because Fiat Auto has now returned to profitability, thus removing pressure from the group.Enzo Ferrari’s true passion, despite his extensive road car business, was always auto racing. His Scuderia started as an independent sponsor for drivers in various cars, but soon became the Alfa Romeo in-house racing team. After Ferrari’s departure from Alfa, he began to design and produce cars of his own; the Ferrari team first appeared on the European Grand Prix scene after the end of World War II.

In 1949, Luigi Chinetti drove a Model 166M to Ferrari’s first win in motorsports, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Chinetti drove for all except twenty minutes of the Grand Prix race. He soon became the American dealer for Ferraris and established the North American Racing Team, Ferrari’s official racing arm. The dealership is reported to have kept the company in business through sales to wealthy Americans, such as Briggs Cunningham, who bought the first one Chinetti sold through the new dealership.

The Scuderia joined the Formula One World Championship in the first year of its existence, 1950. José Froilán González gave the team its first victory at the 1951 British Grand Prix.

Alberto Ascari gave Ferrari its first Drivers Championship a year later. Ferrari is the oldest team left in the championship, not to mention the most successful: the team holds nearly every Formula One record. As of 2005, the team’s records include fourteen World Drivers Championship titles (1952, 1953, 1956, 1958, 1961, 1964, 1975, 1977, 1979, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004), fourteen World Constructors Championship titles (1961, 1964, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004), 179 Grand Prix victories, 3,445 and a half points, 544 podium finishes, 174 pole positions, 11,182 laps led, and 180 fastest laps in 1,622 Grands Prix contested.

Notable Ferrari drivers include Tazio Nuvolari, Juan Manuel Fangio, Luigi Chinetti, Alberto Ascari, Wolfgang von Trips, Phil Hill, Olivier Gendebien, Mike Hawthorn, Peter Collins, John Surtees, Jacky Ickx, Mario Andretti, Niki Lauda, Carlos Reutemann, Jody Scheckter, Gilles Villeneuve, Didier Pironi, Michele Alboreto, Gerhard Berger, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Jean Alesi,Eddie Irvine, Rubens Barrichello, Michael Schumacher, Kimi Räikkonen, and Felipe Massa.

The Scuderia Ferrari drivers for the 2006 F1 season were Michael Schumacher and Felipe Massa. At the end of the 2006 season the team courted controversy by continuing to allow Marlboro to sponsor them after they, along with the other F1 teams, made a promise to end sponsorship deals with tobacco manufacturers. A five year deal worth a reported $500 million was agreed.[citation needed]

The drivers for 2007 are Felipe Massa and Kimi Räikkönen.

Ferrari road car timeline, 1947-1967 v • d • e Next ->

Type 1940s 1950s 1960s

7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Sports 125

S 166

S 195

S 212

Exp 225

S 250

MM 250

Monza 250 GT

Tour de France 250 GT

SWB 250 GTO

159

S 250

S 250

Export

GT 166

Inter 195

Inter 212

Inter 250

Europa 250 GT

Europa 250 GT

Boano 250 GT

Ellena 250 GT

Coupe/Spider 250 GT

Lusso 275 GTB 275 GTB/4

2+2 250 GT

2+2/GTE 330 GT 365 GT

America 340

America 375

America/MM 410

Superamerica 400

Superamerica 500

Superfast 365

California

Type 1960s 1970 1980s 1990s 2000s

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

FR GT America 330 365 365 GTB/4 Daytona 550 575M 599

250 275

2+2 250GT 330GT 365GT GTC/4 GT4 400 400i 412 456 GT 456M GT 612

RMR V6/V8 Dino 206 Dino 246 308i 308qv 328 348 360 F430

208 F355

2+2 Dino GT4 Mondial 8 Mondial 3.2 Mondial T

flat-12 316BB 512BB BBi Testarossa 512TR F512M

Supercar 250 GTO 250 LM 288 GTO F40 F50 F50 GT Enzo FXX

The first Ferrari road car was the 1947 125 S, powered by a 1.5 L V12 engine; Enzo reluctantly built and sold his automobiles to fund the Scuderia. While his beautiful and fast cars quickly gained a reputation for excellence, Enzo maintained a famous distaste for his customers, most of whom he felt were buying his cars for the prestige and not the performance. Ferrari road cars, noted for magnificent styling by design houses like Pininfarina, have long been one of the ultimate accessories for the rich. Other design houses that have done work for Ferrari over the years include Scaglietti, Bertone, Touring, Ghia, and Vignale.

In 2005, four universities were granted the opportunity to design the next vehicle line-up for Ferrari in a student competition named ‘Ferrari Concepts of the Myth’. Twenty winners were allowed to show off their concepts in a ¼ scale model and present their work to the board at Ferrari to allow for three out right winners to have the chance to work in the Ferrari design studio at Maranello.

As of 2007, the Fiat Group owns 85% of Ferrari, Mubadala 5%, and Enzo’s son Piero 10%. Fiat has shelved plans for an IPO because Fiat Auto has now returned to profitability, thus removing pressure from the group.

 As an experienced driver, you know the importance of keeping your BMW in tip-top condition. Regular servicing will extend your car’s life and identify defects before they become catastrophic.

When you consider the history of BMW and how the Company has built its global reputation for prestige and performance excellence, booking a BMW service that is conducted with care and precision is vitally important in retaining the characteristics of this prestige car.

BMW facts you may not know

BMW has its roots in pre-First World War German aviation.

Gustav Otto, son of the inventor of the four-stroke internal combustion engine, set up an aircraft factory and training school in 1910. However, after persistent quality problems with production, his business was bought by a consortium in 1916. The company became known as Bayerische Flugzeugwerke AG (BFW) and began manufacturing aircraft under licence from Albatros Werke. It soon became the largest aircraft manufacturer in Bavaria, but at the end of the First World War demand collapsed.

Meanwhile, in 1913 an engine designer Karl Rapp had set up an aircraft engine manufacturing company, but vibration problems with their own engines meant that they switched production to Austro-Daimler V12 engines, under licence. A man called Franz Josef Popp was put in to supervise the manufacturing. He managed to persuade Karl Rapp to employ a talented design engineer from Daimler, Max Friz. Friz quickly designed a new engine and made such an impact with the investors, that Karl Rapp was ousted from the business in 1917. At this point the company name was changed from Rapp Motorenwerke GmbH to Bayerische Motorenwerke BmbH (BMW).

However, in December 1918, BMW was forced to close down by the government at the end of the First World War. However, in less than three months BMW was allowed to reopen and began designing a new array of engines, although the company was forced to cease aircraft engine production. At this point, an Austrian financier, Camillo Castiglioni, had become the majority shareholder in BMW.

In the summer of 1919, BMW began building brake assemblies under licence from Knorr-Bremse AG, and around a year later Castiglioni sold his shares in BMW to Knorr-Bremse.

Following the sale of his stake in BMW, Castiglioni became interested in purchasing BFW which he completed in 1922. On the back of this, he moved to purchase back the BMW name and engine building division from Knorr-Bremse. He was successful, and with the merger of BFW and BMW, under the BMW name, he also secured the design and management skills of Max Friz and Franz Josef Popp, plus valuable engine drawings and patents.

BMW began production of replacement engines, whilst Castiglioni did a lucrative deal with the Czechs to licence the production of BMW aircraft engines for use by their military.

During the 1920s, BMW supplied Russia with aircraft engines and Castiglioni, as well as being the majority shareholder, siphoned off a brokerage fee on every transaction to his ‘private’ companies.

Along with military engines, BMW began to successfully manufacture small agricultural engines and motorcycles, starting with the R 32 in 1923. These formed the basis of the project to design a BMW production car in 1925. Then in 1928 the company expanded into full car production with the purchase of the Eisenach Car Factory that made the Dixi (or Austin Seven manufactured under license). The car became known as the BMW 3/15 and it was not long before BMW was producing its own designs.

However, Castiglioni’s business dealings got himself and BMW into trouble. After selling a majority shareholding to Deutsche Bank in 1926, to raise personal funds, his irregular commission payments were duly revealed. He settled out of court with a large payment back to BMW and stepped down from the board. In 1929, he sold the remainder of his shared to Deutsche Bank to prop up his finances.

The Castiglioni affair had also cost BMW. The Russian government became aware of the ‘commission’ payments and demanded compensation. BMW handed over a licence to produce the BMW VI engine for free and relations with the Russians came to an end in the early 1930s.

After successful expansion of the motorcycle and car businesses in the 1930s, BMW was forced to abandon civilian production by the National Socialist Party during the Second World War and focus on the production of aircraft engines. This included the use of forced labour.

Towards the end of the war, BMW was hit hard by allied bombing and when the war ended, the sites in eastern Germany were seized by the Russians. Meanwhile, whilst BMW survived in the West, they were banned from manufacturing engines for three years and BMW car plans and their chief designer Fritz Fiedler were taken to England to begin Bristol Cars. And so it was not until 1948 that production of BMW motorcycles recommenced and not until 1952 that car production was started again.

The initial post-war car models, such as the 507 and 503, were not highly profitable and in 1959, BMW discussed selling the business to Daimler-Benz. This was an unpopular move with the workforce, and fortunately Chairman Kurt Golda increased his stake in the company to secure BMW’s independence.

During the 1960s the release of more sporty models spelt success for BMW. The BMW 1500 (that followed the BMW 700) led to the BMW 1600 and BMW 1800 models and in 1967 two door and convertible models that became known as the BMW 02 series. These developments eventually led to the creation of the famous BMW 3 series.

The company expanded, with new production facilities and a new headquarters in Munich.

Going into the 1970s, the BMW 5 series replaced the sedans, the coupes were replaced with the BMW 3 series and a new BMW 7 series was launched, thereby giving BMW three distinct sports sedan ranges that continued into the 1990s.

BMW became a global brand in prestige car manufacturing and sales increased 18 times. Production expanded from Germany and has spread to across continents, including facilities in the UK, America, South Africa and India. The company has also formed partnerships over time with Russian and Chinese producers.

In the mid 1990s, BMW bought Rover from British Aerospace. However, the company struggled to find a role for the English brands and make a profit. In 2000 it disposed of Rover to Phoenix Venture Holdings and sold the Land Rover brand to Ford. However, BMW retained the Mini, Triumph and other brands. BMW has since successfully rekindled the Mini brand and also gone on to secure full use of the Rolls Royce brand (in 2003).

From its humble origins as pre-First World War makers of aircraft and aircraft engines, BMW has survived as a result of post-war entrepreneurial spirit and grown rapidly to become a major global player in the prestige car market.

Book your BMW service with confidence

So when you book your next BMW service, you can be confident that Service A Car understands the heritage of BMW and conducts BMW servicing with the passion and precision your prestige car deserves.

Happy motoring,

Howard.

Chairman Service A Car

Bamford thought he could improve the car, and soon began to build cars which took the Aston Martin name (from Martin’s exploits at the Aston Clinton hill climb in Buckinghamshire).

However, the partnership was not to last and Martin bought out Bamford in 1922.  Soon the company being asked for replicas, but being English, they didn’t like to make a profit from their friends and the firm nearly went bust in 1925.  It was saved by Lord Charnwood and Hon. John Benson, who appointed Italian born Augustus Cesari Bertelli as Managing Director.

The many wealthy and often aristocratic customers would breeze into the works greeting him with “I say, Bertie, old chum….”

The company built the Ulster between 1934 and 1935 which had an in line 4 cylinder 1495cc, single overhead camshaft which featured an advanced dry sump engine.  It produced 80bhp at 5250rpm, had a top speed of 100mph, and named after the Ulster TT road race.  The Ulster was the best performing of the pre war Astons.

Following the war, many manufacturers were suffering financial difficulties.  David Brown (famous for tractors) acquired Aston Martin in 1947 for £20,500, and in 1948, purchased Lagonda for £52,000.

He made something of a false start with the underpowered four cylinder Aston Martin DB1 in 1948.

Despite the cars appreciation in value, the company was often financially troubled.  In 1972, it was sold to a company called Company Developments Ltd, backed by a Birmingham based consortium and chaired by William Wilson.  The company was then resold in 1975 to Peter Sprague and George Minden.  The new owners pushed the company into modernising its line.

In 1980, Aston Martin had plans to buy MG, which did not materialise.

As worldwide sales of Astons shrank to three per week, Alan Curtis (chairman) together with fellow shareholders Sprague and Minden, had almost chosen to shut down the production and concentrate on service and restoration.  Curtis attended the 1980 Pace sponsored Stirling Moss benefit day at Brands Hatch and met Victor Gauntlett.

Gauntlett bought a 12.5% stake in the company for £500,000 with Tim Hearley of CH Industrials taking a similar share.  They then took over 50/50 ownership at the beginning of 1981, with Gauntlett as executive chairman.  He also led the sales team, and after some development and a lot of publicity, was able to sell with success the Aston Martin Lagonda to Persian Gulf States.

They continued sponsoring racing events and all Aston Martin Owners Clubs events.

As trading became tighter in the petroleum market, and Aston required more time and money, Gauntlett agreed to sell his company ‘Pace’ to the Kuwait Investment Office in September 1983.  He also agreed to sell his share holding to Peter Livanos.

September 1987 saw Ford take a share holding in the company.  They placed Aston in the Premier Automotive Group, and substantially invested in new manufacturing and quickly ramped up production.  In 1994, they opened a new factory at Banbury Road in Bloxham.

In 2006, under mounting pressure, an internal review of costs and realisable value on investment led Ford to consider divesting itself of parts of its Premier Automotive Group.  After suggestions of selling Jaguar, Land Rover or Volvo, Ford decided to sell Aston by auction.  At the end of August 2006, Ford announced that it would be willing to sell all or part of Aston.

The first round of the auction closed on 30 November 2006.  On 12 March 2007, a consortium led by Prodrive chairman David Richards purchased Aston for £475m/$848m.  Prodrive had no financial involvement in the deal, and Ford kept a stake in the company valued at £40m/$70m.  The consortium also consisted of John Sinders and two Kuwaiti investment companies.

On 19 July 2007, the last car, a Vanquish S was produced at Newport Pagnell.  Nearly 13000 cars had been produced their and all production was concentrated at Gaydon.

In January 2009, Aston announced that it would be entering the 2009 Le Mans 24 Hours race as a factory team in the LMP1 division.  The company finished 13th.