Aston Martin Rust Oration

Normally I wait until I have done interesting things (Well I think they’re interesting.) and then write about them here.

But the next couple of weeks are going to be so hectic I don’t know when I’ll get chance to write it up - so I’m going to tell you in advance.

 This weekend I was hoping to be able to fit the new Hardy Spicer universal joints that I’ve just bought from Davron (Hardy Spicer is in fact an Australian company - so our favourite cars are running around on Australian technology. Bonzer!). Instead I shall be flying to Helsinki for a series of meetings on energy production and climate change.

We are meeting the Finnish Minister for environment and the CEO and chair of Neste Oil (I always enjoy meeting Neste Oil - they have a Sauna off their boardroom, how very civilised.)

Frustratingly, this weekend is the biggest classic car event in Finland - but the logistics for getting there are a nighmare - it would mean flying early on Sunday morning to Turku, but the only flight I can find gets in at 2 pm when the whole thing finishes…

Before going to Helsinki I have to get several briefings written, draw up plans for ministerial engagement at the Royal Show, attend the CLA summer party this evening, take the nearest and dearest to a Cuban Caberet, visit the physio about the pains in my arms (see heart attack scare below), and generally get myself organised. Then I can think about planning my next trip to the Farm.

Ironing out the bumps 

And the next trip to the farm will involve fitting the new rear suspension dampers, fitting the new UJ’s and brake discs and having another go at the rear bearings.

We actually make things…!?

Interesting article in the FT this week - where do you think the UK comes in the top 100 manufacturing nations? Where do you think the USA sits? and China?

Are we at the bottom? middle perhaps? Is China number one?

No.

USA is number one, China is at number three - and we… getting back up after falling off my perch… are at number six!

So I know Aston Martins are a key part of our manufacturing and exports, but we obviously make other stuff too. Cool! Swells with patriotic pride. 

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 12th, 2007 at 1:34 pm and is filed under ROJ - The Rowan Atkinson Car. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.