When did Ford stop owning Aston Martin?
Ford stopped owning Aston Martin in 2007, when it sold its stake in the luxury carmaker to a private equity consortium led by Investindustrial and Kuwait’s Investment Dar. The sale ended Ford's direct involvement with the brand and set Aston Martin on a path of independent ownership and, later, a public listing.
Background: Ford’s involvement with Aston Martin
In the 1990s, Ford pursued a revival plan for the storied British marque. In 1994, Ford acquired a controlling stake in Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd as part of an effort to modernize the brand, boost production, and accelerate the development of new models. The partnership provided capital and technology while preserving Aston Martin’s distinctive design identity.
Timeline of ownership changes
Below is a concise timeline of the major ownership shifts affecting the company from Ford's involvement to private equity ownership and beyond.
- 1994: Ford takes a controlling stake in Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd to help revive the brand.
- 2007: Ford sells its stake to a consortium led by Investindustrial and Kuwait's Investment Dar; Aston Martin becomes privately owned outside Ford.
- 2018: Aston Martin goes public on the London Stock Exchange, with Investindustrial continuing as a significant shareholder.
The timeline illustrates the transition from Ford-backed revival to independent ownership and eventual public listing.
What changed after Ford's exit?
With Ford out of the picture, Aston Martin pursued a more autonomous strategic path, investing in new models and expanding its international presence. The shift allowed greater flexibility in design and marketing, though it also meant relying more heavily on private equity and external financing to fuel growth.
Current ownership and status
As of 2024, Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc remains listed on the London Stock Exchange, with Investindustrial and other investors as major shareholders. Ford no longer has any stake, and the brand continues its revival under private ownership, expanding its model lineup to include vehicles like the DBX SUV and upcoming performance models.
Summary
Ford’s exit came in 2007 when it sold its Aston Martin stake to a private equity consortium led by Investindustrial and Investment Dar. Since then, Aston Martin has moved from Ford’s direct stewardship to independent ownership, culminating in a 2018 IPO and ongoing status as a publicly traded luxury automaker with Investindustrial among its prominent shareholders.
