The Morgan Wire posted the entire interview in January 2010. Here are excerpts on questions concerning the new model.
ACHIM:
The MMC has just presented the 125,000£ Aero Super
Sports... Is this the right car at the wrong time?
MATTHEW:
I think not! Our clientele is not as affected by the
Recession, as is the unfortunate case with so many others. Of the planned
175 Aero Super Sports, we have already sold half. Together with the growing
sales of the other models, we must to choose whether to allow waiting times
to rise again!
................................
ACHIM:
Given all the large number of innovations and negative
experiences during the introduction of Aero (and the Roadster), how much
change should the MMC customers expect?
MATTHEW:
Yes, we have learned a lot from the past. But we must
distinguish between the Aero and the Roadster.
The Aero was a step too far into the future, or if you will, a little premature. However, with it, we were able to establish the guidelines that led to the (regulatory) acceptance of the Aeromax and the Aero Super Sports.
Nevertheless, it is true. We had a long and hard time. But we persisted and we were always confident we were on the right track. Today's success shows that we were right. We standing now here at Goodwood in front of a Plus 4 Plus which was also ahead of its time. Who knows what could have been made of it if it had the same opportunities we gave the Aero?
The story with the Roadster is different. In that case, we were forced to create it by the disappearance of the Rover V8 engine -- as there was no other appropriate V8 available. The bulk of the negative remarks on our engine choice came from Germany. That was not surprising as the Plus 8 has dominated the Morgan image and the market in Germany.
It is always difficult, when one has a perfect icon, to find a suitable successor - but we had simply no other choice. However, we now produce as many Roadsters as we did Plus 8s.
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ACHIM:
One last question, even if it is the biggest secret in
Malvern: Will there be a Trad body on an Aero chassis?
MATTHEW:
Definitely NOT!
Firstly, we currently see no danger that the present trad will no longer be allowed in Europe. Therefore there is no reason to design such a thing. Secondly, it would require a completely new rear end to be constructed and that would mean such a car would no longer look like a Morgan. September 2009
| Matthew Parkin worked at the MMC for thirteen years, making many friends throughout the Morgan community. In the Spring, Matthew Parkin and the MMC parted company. |