Merc and Aston could collaborate

think the whole idea is to cut the cost of development by banding 2 heads together and coming out with something better. Jag can't fit the bill of making its own engines so its now in talks with BMW to supply their straight sixes and other engines as the ford contract is nearing to an end. Tata say they will look into making engines for Jag but to be honest i am not sure they can match the engines Jag use now, made by ford, PSA and i presume Jag as well. I would prefer that manufacturers chose to make their own engines and give it the feel that they think fits their own company's moto AGAIN issue of cost and R&D. its where the competition is and makes it all the better to test out a range of cars out before buying. if engine has a part of play in choosing a car then when jag comes out with a new eye catching x-type only to find out it has same deisel engine as the 3-series, rear wheel drive but costs £3000 cheaper than 3-series then who would you go for, german engineg Jag because it reliable and save a lot of money? i think at times it gets to a point where you think what am i getting for my money and would the badge really matter at the end of the day? i guess badge appeal has a part to play sometimes but Skoda have done so well that they knocking VW out of the game and i do wonder why skoda haven't come out with a golf rivalling car, maybe VW know if they do then they will shoot themselves in the foot, as Golf is iconic? a very debatable topic in my opinion.