Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz could team up on projects

Aston Martin could cooperate with Mercedes-Benz on everything from engines to whole vehicles, said Adham Charanoglu, business development manager for Investment Dar, which owns most of Aston Martin.



Investment Dar, along with other investors, purchased Aston from Ford last year.

While no specific details about plans or even talks between the companies were disclosed, Charanoglu's candid commentary on the matter suggests some type of affiliation is on the table.

Despite his ambiguity on automotive projects, Charanoglu disclosed Aston Martin is talking with Mercedes, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci about co-branded merchandise. He said Aston wants to grow its $100 million merchandising business to $300 million by 2009, according to Automotive News.

He also noted the company would be increasing production slightly from 7,000 units a year to 8,000. The move won't do much to decrease wait times, however.

"If you have the money, you have to wait. Otherwise you will not feel attached to your car," Charanoglu said.