In an effort to boost its slipping revival of the Maybach brand, Daimler is reportedly nearing an agreement with Aston Martin that could see the British brand designing and building a new ultra-luxury sedan.
Maybach was re-launched in 2002, but its design was panned for being derivative of the then-fresh Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Daimler, the parent company of both Maybach and Mercedes-Benz, has done little to stimulate interest in the latter. Rumors have long suggested that Maybach’s days are numbered.
Now, the Financial Times says that Aston Martin and Daimler are working on a trade scheme that would net Daimler an Aston Martin-designed Maybach, while Aston Martin would gain access to Mercedes-Benz’s engine technology.
Neither automaker will confirm or deny the report, however.
“There is no cooperation deal with Aston Martin. We are often in talks about various topics, such as the donating technology for the Lagonda show car,” a Daimler spokesman said, recalling the Geneva Motor Show concept car that was built on a Mercedes-Benz platform.
Aston Martin has long sought technology partners since it was bought from Ford by a group of international investors in 2007, while Daimler has forged a wide range of partnerships with everyone from China’s BYD to France’s Renault.
Look for more details on this potential deal to emerge in the coming weeks.
References
1.’Aston Martin in talks…’ view
