Car Torque: Aston Martin's license to thrill revoked

Aston Martin may be the car of choice for James Bond, but its glamorous big screen profile is in stark contrast to its struggles in the global prestige market.

According to Reuters, the British maker has extended its recovery plan to 2020 and plans to raise funds through new shares or bonds (no pun intended) to fund a new model range that may include sedans and SUVs.

Often criticised for its same-again strategy regarding new models, Aston Martin seems to have missed the luxury-car boom of the past five years. While the global market for high-end models has doubled, Aston’s 2013 sales figure of 4300 is well behind its pre-financial crisis peak of 7300.

Aston Martin is 93% owned by Investment Dar (Kuwait) and Investindustrial (Italy). Mercedes-Benz also holds 5% and has a deal to supply engines and technology to the company; an expansion of that arrangement could hold the key to broadening Aston’s model range.

It’s thought that the bespoke James Bond Aston Martin DB10, created for the forthcoming film Spectre, is also a showcase for the company’s future design cues.

Plant-based bioplastic for exterior car parts
Mazda Motor Corporation and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation have developed a plant-based bioplastic that’s suitable for exterior vehicle parts.

Aside from reducing dependence on oil-based plastic, the new material can be dyed and is claimed to give a better finish that traditional painted plastic.

Mazda has already created bioplastic and biofabric for interior use in the new MX-5, but says exterior material is the next step as it must offer much better durability. Parts made from the new material will be displayed at the Eco-Products 2014 show in Tokyo this month.

SAAB rises from the dead again
According to Automotive News, Indian maker Mahindra is on the brink of buying National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS), the Chinese-owned company that took over the assets of Saab two years ago.

NEVS had ambitious plans to create a range of electric vehicles (EVs) from the Saab 9-3, but the company has fallen flat after producing a handful of cars. 

A Swedish court has extended financial protection for NEVS until March 2015, to give the company time to complete negotiations with potential investors.