With Ford putting its ultra-lux Aston Martin marque up for sale, there’s been plenty of speculation on who will buy it. Interesting, while names of Russian billionaires and the former head of Ford (Nasser) have been batted about, barely anyone has mentioned Toyota, Nissan, and Honda, arguably the richest automakers at this time. Analysts even reported that Hyundai was a possible contender. (They said no.)

With Ford putting its ultra-lux Aston Martin marque up for sale, there’s been plenty of speculation on who will buy it. Interesting, while names of Russian billionaires and the former head of Ford (Nasser) have been batted about, barely anyone has mentioned Toyota, Nissan, and Honda, arguably the richest automakers at this time. Analysts even reported that Hyundai was a possible contender. (It said no.)

So why aren’t the “Japanese Three” even in the rumor mill as potential buyers? According to MarketWatch, much of it has to do with consumer skills: the automakers simply lack the experience and infrastructure to cater to Aston Martin buyers. States analyst Koji Endo of Credit Suisse Securities, “The customer base is totally different. … Those who buy Aston Martin cars are ultra rich.” While the automakers would eventually develop the necessary skills, analysts agree it would take years to do so.

Also, all three automakers have their own luxury lines: Toyota/Lexus; Nissan/Infinit; and Honda/Acura. While none are in the same league as Aston Martin, all the automakers have either considerable investments in them or have other obligations tying their resources. Toyota, for example, is expanding its Lexus brand in Europe and Japan. Nissan and partner, Renault, are currently in discussion of a possible alliance with General Motors. Finally, Honda has been divesting itself of alliances since the ’90s.

Our take? The three Japanese automakers saw what happened to General Motors and Ford with their acquisitions which probably explains their reluctance. Also, all three are in the process of expansion in form or another based on heavy demand for their current products. It would make no sense to aquire another line even at a steal (which Aston Martin, unlike Jaguar, would definitely be not.) The Japanese automakers, especially Toyota and Honda, tend to look at its investements long-term: if they don’t see Aston Martin profitable at that time, they don’t waste resources no matter how tempting the offer.