Aston and Daimler ink deal

Aston Martin and Daimler have formalised the technical partnership they first announced in July, which could include a platform-sharing arrangement that leads to production of the Lagonda SUV revealed at the 2009 Geneva motor show.

AMG Chairman and CEO Tobias Moers told motoring.com.au last month the ‘pre-nup’ with Aston was a work in progress but would lead to the supply of AMG engines and electronic components to the British brand.

Now it’s been revealed that in return for giving Aston access to AMG's technical resources, which will allow it to develop next-generation models around a range of AMG V8 engines, Daimler will receive five per cent of the non-voting shares in Aston Martin, plus observer status on the company's board.

In a statement issued yesterday in Europe, the two companies said they plan to “investigate additional areas of operation" in the future.
Aston Martin chief Ulrich Bez told Autocar earlier this year that one area of expansion already under discussion is platform sharing between the two companies, in the same way that Volkswagen’s Touareg platform forms the basis of the Porsche Cayenne.

According to Autocar, Bez has confirmed that work on Aston Martin's Lagonda SUV project, which was put on hold because a suitable vehicle platform could not be found, has resumed and could lead to a full-size SUV from Aston by 2017.

“Our company is this year celebrating its centenary, and the partnership agreed today underpins prospects for Aston Martin’s bright, vibrant and dynamic second century in the sports car business,” said Aston Martin in a statement.

“This strategic collaboration for Aston Martin will, in our next generation of luxury sports cars, offer our customers increased performance and efficiency whilst retaining the unique character and style of an Aston Martin.”

Mercedes-AMG chairman Tobias Moers described the joint-venture as a win-win for both companies.

“By signing the Umbrella Agreement and the Engine Agreement both parties have agreed to this technical partnership: Mercedes-AMG will provide the British icon Aston Martin with engines for their forthcoming sports cars.

“At our company´s headquarters in Affalterbach we are proud to work with Aston Martin – this agreement is a real win-win situation for both sides.”

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