Ford Motor Co
31 August 2006
FORD TO EXPLORE STRATEGIC OPTIONS FOR
ASTON MARTIN
DEARBORN, Mich., August 31,2006 - Ford Motor Company
(NYSE: F) announced today it has begun the process of exploring strategic
options for Aston Martin, with particular emphasis on a potential sale of
all or a portion of the unit.
'As part of our ongoing strategic review, we have determined that Aston
Martin may be an attractive opportunity to raise capital and generate
value,' said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bill Ford. 'Aston Martin
Lagonda has flourished under Ford ownership, which is why we believe it is
prudent to consider a sale of all or part of this prized brand. Since Aston
Martin's dealer network, product architecture and size are distinctly
different from other Ford brands, it is the most logical and capital-smart
divestiture choice. The objective of any sale would be to position Aston
Martin within a structure and resource base sufficient to allow it to reach
its full potential, while enabling Ford to efficiently raise capital for
its other brands.'
Mr. Ford added, 'Regarding our other Premier Automotive Group brands,
we've made no decisions, as our review of strategic alternatives continues.
However, 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.'
The company said there can be no assurance that the decision to explore
strategic options for Aston Martin will result in any transaction, which
would be subject to Board approval.
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in
Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets
across six continents. With about 300,000 employees and more than 100
plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands
include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and
Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Motor Credit Company.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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