Aston Martin, Daimler in talks over engine partnership: report

Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler have held early talks over a proposed technical partnership to create new engines for the iconic British manufacturer.

Aston Martin is actively seeking a collaborator to reduce spending on its next-generation sports cars, and German powerhouse Daimler is understood to be the preferred partner of Aston co-owner Investindustrial.

The Gaydon-based manufacturer of the Vantage, DB9, Rapide and Vanquish is the only global luxury brand not associated with a larger manufacturing group, hurting its ability to match the lower pricing of its rivals due to higher development and manufacturing costs.

Speaking with Bloomberg, Daimler spokeswoman Silke Walters confirmed the company is engaged in talks with Aston Martin, Investindustrial and fellow co-owner Investment Dar.

�??While both sides know and respect each other very much, no decisions have been made,�?� Walters said.

A source familiar with Aston�??s side of the talks concurred that a final agreement was not imminent at this stage.

Mercedes-Benz-C63-AMG

A partnership between Aston Martin and Daimler would almost certainly involve Mercedes-Benz�??s go-fast division, AMG, which is renowned for its high-performance engines �?" both naturally aspirated and forced induction.

While regular upgrades have ensured Aston�??s V12 has remained competitive, it is now 12 years old, tracing its origins back to the original V12 Vanquish from 2001.

Aston Martin is currently celebrating its 100th anniversary, and in January announced plans to invest 500 million pounds ($763 million) over the next four years to start its second century with momentum.

Last week, Investindustrial confirmed the completion of its purchase of a 37.5 per cent stake in Aston Martin for 150 million pounds ($277 million).


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