Aston Martin and Mercedes-benz confirm technical partnership
We’ve been reporting on several partnerships being created between the major car producing players as a result of the economic tough times that have lead to the car market to contract in many places around the world.
It appears that recently a partnership between Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz performance division AMG has been confirmed which will have the next-generation Aston Martin sports cars being powered by the new V8s based on the German carmaker’s engines.
The British brand Aston and the parent company Daimler have also confirmed their intention to form a technical partnership that will provide electric and electronic architecture for future Aston models.
Both companies have signed a letter of intent that will be formalized later this year. Some other details of the documents show that the supply agreement is one-way however, Daimler would acquire a five percent equity in Aston Martin, thus joining the already existing investors DAR and Investindustrial who own a controlling stake in the British brand. This will mean that Daimler will have an observer status on the Aston board but no voting rights.
These future Aston vehicles that will be featuring Mercedes components are not expected to surface for yet another few years, and in the meanwhile the sports cars will continue to be built at the company’s factory in Gaydon, England.
It is worth to note that this will not be the first time AMG engines will be supplying a different company. Supercar maker Pagani borrowed V12 engines for both their Zonda and their current Huayra.
Ian Minards – product development director for the British brand – said that even though AMG will be a key supplier target, the company will be keeping its engineering DNA intact.
Continuing to say that AMG was selected for the potential of their powertrain development process, saying that preserving the more unique character and style of Aston Martin remains a mainstay of the company.
