A new report from the U.K. suggests Mercedes-Benz is looking to buy heavily into Aston Martin . The news is not confirmed, but is alleged to come from well-placed sources in Germany. There have been reports of the two working together as recently as March, including Aston’s interest in MB’s hybrid technology and mention of the two teaming up on projects, so there may be some truth to that. Furthermore, the recent news of Mercedes stopping SLR production and separating from McLaren is also a possible indication.
Aston Martin ’s majority shareholder is Kuwait-based Investment Dar, and Kuwaiti Investment Authority owns seven percent of Daimler AG, MB’s parent, according to Autocar‘s report. With only three models in its line-up — the DBS, DB9 and V8 Vantage — Aston Martin is a relatively small automaker and could certainly use the cash infusion and collaboration involved with a bigger manufacturer such as Mercedes.
If this news is to be trusted and the deal goes through, expect the next-generation aluminum-chassis SL to be a basis for an Aston Martin flagship as well, and other models with very similar mechanical specs.
