Aston Martin chair Stroll not considering sale of luxury carmaker, says CEO - FT

Aston Martin chair Stroll not considering sale of luxury carmaker, says CEO - FT

Aston Martin Chair Stroll Denies Sale Plans Amid Financial Struggles

Aston Martin Lagonda’s executive chairman, Lawrence Stroll, has dismissed speculation about selling the luxury carmaker, reaffirming his commitment to leading the company through ongoing challenges. The denial comes as the firm reported a widened pre-tax loss of £363.9 million for 2025, up from £289.1 million the prior year, driven by U.S. tariff pressures and weak demand in key markets like North America and China.

The company has implemented cost-cutting measures, including a 20% reduction in its global workforce—nearly 600 jobs—aimed at trimming £40 million in annual expenses. These cuts follow earlier reductions in 2024 and are concentrated in the UK, where Aston Martin is headquartered.

Despite these efforts, the automaker issued its third profit warning in 2025, forecasting a larger-than-expected operating loss for the year.

To stabilize finances, Stroll has pursued unconventional strategies, including a £50 million deal to sell the naming rights of the Aston Martin F1 Team to a related entity, AMR GP Holdings. The transaction has been criticized by analysts as a low-value solution to liquidity constraints.

Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark acknowledged the "highly challenging trading environment" in 2025, citing geopolitical uncertainties and tariffs, particularly in the U.S., where the automaker's sales dropped 10% to 5,448 units. However, he expressed cautious optimism for 2026, highlighting improved delivery forecasts for the Valhalla hybrid supercar and ongoing cost-reduction initiatives.

While Stroll ruled out a sale of the company, he emphasized continued engagement with U.S. and UK governments to address tariff-related risks. The automaker's shares, which have lost nearly all their value since their 2018 London listing, remain under pressure as investors weigh the feasibility of a standalone turnaround.

For now, Aston Martin's survival hinges on navigating regulatory headwinds, stabilizing demand, and executing its cost-cutting and product-launch strategies. Stroll's insistence on maintaining control signals a prolonged effort to revive the brand, though financial hurdles persist.