9:21 am, July 25, 2013
BRITISH sports car firm Aston Martin has announced a new partnership with Mercedes AMG.
The proposed deal will see Aston Martin having access to Mercedes-Benz and AMG resources allowing the development of bespoke V8 powertrains.
The partnership will also see Aston Martin using ‘certain components of electric/electronic (e/e) architecture’, an announcement said.
As part of the deal, Daimler AG – Mercedes AMG’s parent company – will own a stake of up to five per cent non-voting shares in Aston Martin depending on the progress of the agreement.
It means Aston Martin will have technical support when launching future models and have a supply of components and technology – something it needs for long-term survival and profitability.
Aston Martin product development director Ian Minards said: ‘We have selected AMG specifically as the basis for this powertrain development process.
‘Aston Martin sources cutting edge technology from key suppliers around the globe and the opportunity to include content from Mercedes-AMG GmbH in our next generation sports cars is, clearly, good news.’
He added: ‘Working with Mercedes-AMG in this way while, of course, remaining independent and preserving the unique character and style of Aston Martin that has been the mainstay of the company throughout its 100-year history, points to a very bright future for the company as it starts its second century in business.’
Ola Kallenius, head of Mercedes-AMG GmbH said: ‘We are proud to work with Aston Martin and provide them with powertrain and e/e components for their forthcoming sports cars. This is proof of AMG’s technological and performance expertise and a real win-win situation for both sides.’
Both firms have said that no further details of the planned technical partnership will be revealed for the time being.
