Monday, June 29, 2009

Aston Martin to sell rebadged ... Toyota iQ?

Aston Martin to sell Toyota iQ?
From the "huh?" files comes news that UK-based Aston Martin has plans to sell a rebadged version of the Toyota iQ microcar. According to Bloomberg.com, the British car maker will start selling the iQ as the "Cygnet" in 2010. Oh yeah, if you didn't know, Cygnet means "young swan." This vehicle will be billed as a luxury commuter car.

Okay, I know it's not April Fools today. I'm glad to hear that luxury automakers are seriously considering offering subcompacts as part of their lineups. I mean, I guess BMW has MINI, and Daimler has Smart. So why can't Aston Martin get into the action? It just seems odd to me. But hey, I'm cool with it.

LINK
Aston Martin Will Add Toyota-Built Minicar to Luxury Lineup (Bloomberg.com)

2 comments:

T.G. said...

You know this reminds me of the time when Chevrolet tarted up a Cavalier and gave it cosmetic surgery in order to sell it as the Cadillac Cimarron.However,I think this time because it is a Toyota and the funky iQ to boot underneath the British designer evening gown it may fare far better than other attempts at badge engineering.Plus I really do like the look of the "Cygnet" and it could be interesting competition for a smart fortwo with leather and other luxury items.

Unknown said...

Needs a V-12 and about 3/4 of a ton arbitrarily added to random spots on the chassis. And some of those fancy shocks with metal shavings and an electromagnet in them. And a cup holder with a "no wine glass" symbol on it, like in the Mini.