I don't think that ownership of the brand is as important as the design, and manufacturing. When the SAABs first went to the shared Opel platform (right after GM bought SAAB) they were still SAABs. I don't think that is the same as changing shock valving on an Envoy and calling it a SAAB.

Ford bought Jag and Aston, and proceeded to value their heritage (OK, AWD X type aside). Same for Volvo. Great reviews for many of the new models, which have the benefit of Ford $$, better supplier deals, and yet remain true to their brand promise. Compare that to SAAB (or Lotus, under GM's ownership for awhile). I don't think that Ford has everything sorted out, but I do think that with their Premium Auto Group they have shown that buying a foreign brand doesn't have to mean killing it off.

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue