Rolls Royce Saga : Piech Gets The Last Laugh

["George & Deanna Achorn" <coolidge@tidalwave.net>]

Hey,
    Just received my new Road & Track where they talk about the RR/Bentley
Saga between BMW and VW. When last we left our heros, Mr. Piechstrander
(Sp?) from BMW managed to somehow buy the RR brand from Rolls Royce Plc even
though VW had bought the company. This left VW with the Bentley brand and
the newly updated factory in Crewe, England. VW really wanted Bentley as a
brand above VW and Audi anyway, and didn't seem to mind too much, though the
press seemed to think Mr. Piech ended up with the short end of the stick,
having spent a tidy sum on the deal.
    Well, fear not for VW. Road & Track also mentioned two more things VW
ended up with. It would seem VWAG (The Volkswagen Automotive Group) is now
the current owner of the trademark Rolls Royce slatted grille and (drum roll
please) the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament. This means if BMW wants to
build Rolls Royce automobiles that look like Rolls Royce automobiles, they
are gonna have to pony up the licensing fees for the grille and Spirit of
Ecstasy.
    As that bully kid on the Simpsons likes to say . . . "Ha Ha".
Later-G