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.
04/04, 2:29 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Bond.
Klaus Bond
04/04, 2:36 PM
posted by:
mr.meanpants
Hilarious jackjim! But seriously all this buying and selling is getting boring and confusing.
04/04, 3:06 PM
posted by:
Need4SSpeed
yeah no kidding. Soon everyone is going to have investments and ownership in everyone and no one will know who owns who…. It’s a conspiracy I tell you… j/k
04/04, 3:21 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
I think that there are some synergies here which makes this acquisition make sense.
04/04, 3:23 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
nfs: Goldman Sachs will own it all
04/04, 3:49 PM
posted by:
enthusiast89
I would be hugely dissapointed if the next db9 was a restyled SL. However, if the collaboration was limited to parts sharing, this could end up being good for Aston (if some of the AMG engines like the new 6.2L V8 found their way underhood new astons), and i’m sure Aston could use the cash.
04/04, 4:00 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
Interesting combination…
04/04, 4:26 PM
posted by:
broadrun96
How did the VERY IMPORTANT wording of BUY INTO Aston get missed in this article? The guys that own AM now with Dave Richards arent going to be selling it any time soon. I’m guessing it has more to do with AM trying to get some help with fuel saving and hybrid technology and MB expanding their profit base.
04/04, 4:34 PM
posted by:
mr.meanpants
They compete against each other, no?
Volante vs. AMG SL
Rapide vs. big AMG sedan.
04/04, 5:29 PM
posted by:
Astonman12
no, this better not happen. i can see aston wanting some of the hybrid technology but they dont need much else. sure the cash would be nice. aston is doing fine on their own and they just got sold anyway! they dont need to be bought up again right away.
04/04, 5:58 PM
posted by:
carbonsigma
Better than Tata buying them out as well!
04/04, 6:18 PM
posted by:
xkr
If this were to happen it would be a good thing,Mercbenz parts on an Aston, thats alot better than ford bull****!Merc has been trying to get there hands on aston for some time, lets see what happens.
04/04, 9:51 PM
posted by:
autonut
Since Benz is in the designer funk they do need Aston. What Martin will get out of it?
04/05, 4:17 AM
posted by:
BlackX
carbonsigma, exactly.
04/05, 6:43 AM
posted by:
LaCaLover
People might buy a Lagonda whereas they won’t be seen dead in a Maybach
04/05, 5:44 PM
posted by:
V2
dont know why they would but i guess mercedes could look around for a few lost coins round the factory floor to buy into this 2 cent company.
04/06, 4:02 AM
posted by:
400horseSS
Newsflash dumb****s, India and China are going to own us all.
04/07, 7:38 AM
posted by:
JohnnyBlazE
400horseSS may be onto something people…