Iconic sports-car maker Aston Martin returned to British soil on Monday as U.S. motor giant Ford sold the firm to a consortium here keen to develop the brand made famous by fictional super-spy James Bond.




The Ford Motor Company agreed to sell Aston Martin to a consortium led by British motor sport entrepreneur Dave Richards for 479 million pounds (923 million dollars).
"This is an incredible opportunity -- Aston Martin is one of the world's most iconic brands," said Richards, who will be the non-executive chairman, while current Aston Martin boss Ulrich Bez will be the chief executive.

"We are confident we now have all the right ingredients to take Aston Martin to even greater heights," added Richards, whose consortium partners include John Sinders, Investment Dar and Adeem Investment Company.

Sales growth has been strong in recent years. Bez said last week that his company sold 7,010 of its luxury sports cars last year, equivalent to 10 times the firm's production seven years ago.

Production levels for 2007 are expected to be the same because Aston Martin is working at near full capacity, he added.

SH/HAR