Aston Martin to team up with Mercedes on engine manufacture

Daimler will take a stake of up to 5%, depending on the progress of the agreement, in the 100-year-old British marque which is currently owned by investment and private equity firms including Investment DAR, Adeem Investment and Investindustrial. The deal, which should be completed by the end of 2013, "will see Aston Martin access significant Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Benz Cars' resources, allowing the development of bespoke V8 powertrains and the use of certain components of electric and electronic architecture," said Aston Martin director Ian Minards. 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 Källenius, head of Mercedes-AMG, 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." The companies confirm that their respective engineering teams will work together to optimise the implementation of this technical partnership. Both parties have agreed that no further details of the planned technical partnership will be revealed for the time being. Aston Martin will continue to manufacture all of its sports cars at its Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire, England.