I can see this a a potential END to our favorite little engines
production. Ford Already has a good modular light small to medium
displacement V-8 engine which it uses in the Mustangs now. It's newer
technology than the Rover engine is, as we all know it's based on the Buick
215 of 1961. Ford may see this as a way to increase production of their
own engines rather than continue the GM based Engine.
This is similar to the Plight that Chrysler had to deal with when in
1966 they bought a controlling interest in the Rootes Group Automobile
company in England. Among others, they built the Sunbeam line of Sports
cars call the Alpine, and the Tiger. The Tiger was based on the Alpine, but
with Carol Shelby's assistance and design, and an agreement with Ford, had
placed (Squeezed) the Ford 260, and later the 289 into the car. When
Chrysler bought that interest, they found them selves Selling the Tiger,
with nice valve cover that said of course, Powered by Ford. Unfortunately,
Chrysler did not have an engine that would fit. The 273 was way to wide,
and they didn't want to see something that said Ford on it, so production of
the Tiger ended in 67, and the Alpine in 68. Although the Alpine did
continue on for a few more years without the convertibles, the cost cutting
by Chrysler essentially ended the entire line of cars, and eventually the
whole company.
Now I don't see Rover going away completely. But I do see where Ford
may want to renovate the Rovers with their modular block design.....But then
again.....Maybe we'll see Mustangs with Rover power plants !!!! Our Beloved
Aluminum blocks back in American metal, on American Soil... Who
knows...time will tell..
Just my ramblings on this wet Saturday morning...It's Seattle, it's always
wet..
Rich
----- Original Message -----
From: Erlandson, Paul (P.W.) <perlands@ford.com>
To: <buick-rover-v8@autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, March 17, 2000 4:57 AM
Subject: Land Rover press release
>
> # # #
>
> FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO BUY LAND ROVER FROM BMW, EXPANDING LINEUP OF PREMIUM
> BRANDS
>
> DEARBORN, Mich., March 17, 2000 -- Ford Motor Company announced today that
> it has reached a memorandum of understanding to buy Land Rover from the
BMW
> Group. The transaction is subject to BMW and Ford reaching a definitive
> agreement, due diligence and regulatory approvals. If successful, the
> acquisition is expected to be completed in the second quarter.
>
> The acquisition involves the entire Land Rover line of vehicles -- Range
> Rover, Discovery, Freelander and Defender -- including assembly and
> engineering facilities. It does not include Rover's passenger car business
> or any assumption of debt by Ford.
>
> Respectfully submitted
> Paul Erlandson
|