Aston Martin talks with Maybach collapse

I really would like to see Toyota buy or make an alliance with Aston Martin. I don't see why not? I mean VW bought Lambo, Bentley, Audi etc...!

Forseen.....Aston have no money so they have not enough to offer in the alliance. They are not even able to develop a new chasis ....or engine, so not to much to offer so that is the kind of alliance the would represent a non profit situation for MB.

MB need Chrysler a lot more than Chrysler need MB. When they "merged", MB suffered horrible build quality in a lot of their car line. What prompted MB to enter this deal was to off-load vehicle costs onto Chrysler by forcing Chrysler to base products on MB chassis and internals. This is why even though MB sold their interest in Chrysler, the entity that bought Chrysler is contractually obligated to build x number of vehicles on MB hardware.

Why would MB do this you ask? They did this because with the heavy customization that MB offers in their product vs the low amount of vehicles that shared chassis and components meant that MB's per vehicle costs were extremely high. If not for the "merger" with Chrysler, MB may not have survived the last economic crisis.

Toyota can always team up with Maybach to improve Lexus branding and image, but Maybach has nothing to gain other than some minor Toyota technology.

I personally like MB but I think they need to take bitter medicine and do away with Maybach. I understand the original plan (entering the Bentley and Rolls Royce segment) but the Maybach experience has been such a negative one and I think that it will cast a long long dark shadow over any new Maybach models in the foreseeable future (not to mention shrapnel effect on the MB cars).

I have heard, on a number of occassions, from people who have driven both the Maybach and the Rolls Royce,that the Maybach is just a much better car to drive. Does this go to show how styling (and heritage, of course) and looks play a fundamental role? Especially in this car segment?

What is MB lacking that it is failing to implement on the Maybach? If they get the styling right could they get good sales?

People who own either a Maybach or Phantom and drive them are idiots! These cars were meant to be driven by a hired driver, not the car's owner. BMW engineered the Phantom for comfort, not driver satisfaction and feedback.

Aston should talk to BMW for an engine contract and a partner to share development costs. BMW could use a true dedicated sports car like an M1 again. Aston could use BMW's technical experience and engines.

Aston Martin is too much of a niche manufacturer for Toyota to be interested in acquiring or investing. This is why Toyota is getting in bed with Lotus. Lotus provides the tuning and race experience, Toyota provides underpowered, but reliable engines that are reasonably light weight.