Will Ford Motor Company be forced to dump some of its premium brands such as Austin Martin, Volvo, Land Rover or even Jaguar? Some say it will. Most agree that Volvo probably is not for sale. Land Rover sales are indeed up by 15% with some killer new models. So that leaves both Jaguar and perhaps Austin Martin for sale? But who is in the market for a car brand like Jaguar as we know that Jaguar is a very strong brand. Perhaps the Chinese might buy it, and then mass-produce them and sell them here. What about the Korean Hyundia? Hyundia is certainly coming up in the world. Some have said that the New Jaguar X-Type with Ford has cheapened brand? But even if that is only partially true Jaguar still has a strong brand customer following. There are a few Private Equity Firms, which might one, two or perhaps offer Ford to buy them all say some Wall Street Analysts. That might be a tough nut to come up with some 7-10 Billion to buy them all? But why is Ford in the fastlane to get out from under these strong brands, which maybe slightly under performing now? Well they need the money and unfortunately some of their most popular models such as the larger F-Series pickups are not making it happen for them and usually they sell lots of them; 900,000 last year alone, but the F-Series pickups are not making it this year. Why? Well, some say it is due to the GM larger pickups picking up in sales; better fuel, power, designs. No matter what we might see some brand consolidation at Ford Motor Co. this year. So, consider this in 2006. |
