If there was a flop concept introduced at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, it would have to be the Lagonda SUV introduced by Aston Martin.
The concept was part of a desire of Aston Martin to expand its sales and profitability by adding a new brand.
There goal is to not Aston Martin brand name by producing large SUV (but slapping it on the Cygnet minicar based on a Toyota iQ is OK….we digress). Bringing back the Lagonda name is a way to avoid that.
The idea is good in theory – a luxurious vehicle that would enable Aston Martin to be a player in a profitable segment for luxury manufacturers.
The SUV would be aimed specifically toward cash-rich emerging markets where vehicles like this prove popular. The problem is that stylistically, the idea didn’t exactly turn out well. In fact, it was universally panned, with such a poor response that Aston Martin put a stop to the project.
After on-again, off-again reports of production, word directly (via WorldCarFans) from Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez is that an all-wheel drive Lagonda SUV is on track for production.
We think it’s safe to say the final product won’t look anything like the Lagonda Concept introduced at Geneva. The Lagonda Concept’s styling has only gotten more unappealing as time has passed
The Lagonda will be made in partnership with Daimler, riding on the same platform as the Mercedes-Benz GL SUV.
