Partnerships between two auto companies are not uncommon and many such collaborations have been quite successful . The impact will be even bigger if two major companies, possibly luxury car brands, enter into an agreement. According to the information available from different sources, Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG have gone ahead to formally launch a new technical partnership. To this end, a letter of intent was first signed back in July 2013.
Earlier, these entities had signed a letter of intent on 25th July 2013, which was centred around the next generation of Aston Martin cars getting access to AMG’s engines and electronic architecture. Notably, Mercedes-AMG GmbH is involved in engineering, manufacturing and customising vehicles of the Daimler owned firm. According to the letter of content between AMG and AML, Aston Martin was to “access significant Mercedes-AMG GmbH and Mercedes-Benz cars’ resources, allowing the development of bespoke V8 powertrains and the use of certain components of electric/electronic (e/e) architecture.”
As per the formal agreement between two companies, Mercedes-Benz will be getting non-voting shares of up to five percent in Aston Martin. Other key element is that the company will enjoy the benefit of an observer status on the Aston Martin Holdings board. On the other hand, Aston Martin will get bespoke V8 powertrains in addition to access to electronic/electric components. An official statement as released by the two companies stated, “The parties are working to conclude the terms of an additional cooperation for the supply of electric/electronic (E/E) components. Furthermore, the two groups will investigate additional areas of cooperation in the future. Aston Martin will continue to manufacture all of its sports cars at its Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire, England.”
A spokesperson for the Aston Martin board reportedly stated that the company is celebrating its centenary and the partnership agreed is in interest of Aston Martin's bright future in the sports car business. The spokesperson also said, “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.”
