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Aston Martin-AMG Alliance Officially Confirmed
It official. The Gaydon, UK based automaker Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz's performance division AMG have taken the first formal step towards a deep rooted partnership by signing a Letter of Intent. Details of a full fledged working partnership will be worked out in the coming months and both parties believe a final agreement will be signed before the end of this year.
Lead up to the partnership
Talk about the two teaming up have been going on for nearly two years and it particularly intensified when Investindustrial, former majority owners of Ducati, purchased a stake in Aston Martin. Since Investindustrial's relationship with AMG was known (remember Ducati Diavel AMG Edition?) it was speculated that a similar deal could become possible between Aston martin and Daimler, AMG's parent company.
A few details about the partnership
Once the details are sorted out and everything becomes official, Daimler will own a five percent stake in Aston Martin. However, it will not get voting rights. The parties now with a stake in Aston Martin include, David Richards of Prodrive, Investment DAR, Adeem Investment, Investindustrial and now Daimler.
Under the deal Aston Martin will become eligible to use AMG tuned engines. At present only V8 engines have been mentioned and not V12s. This leaves room for Aston Martin to continue sourcing V12s from Ford. This could change though. Apart from AMG engines, Aston Martin will also gain access to a few electronic components from AMG. AMG and Aston Martin will also be seen working together on projects.
CC100 Speedster
Future AMG tuned Aston Martin cars based on the CC100 Speedster's design is the future.
Pagani Huayra
AMG V12 engines already powers supercars such as the Pagani Hayra.
V8 Vantage
The deal only extends to V8 engines presently.
2013 V12 Vantage S
V12 engine powered Aston Martin cars could continue using Ford units.
Aston Martin development boss Ian Minards said
"Aston Martin sources cutting-edge technology from key suppliers around the globe and the opportunity to include content from Mercedes-AMG GmbH in our next-generation sports cars is, clearly, good news.
He added, "Working with Mercedes-AMG in this way while, of course, remaining independent and preserving the unique character and style of Aston Martin that has been the mainstay of the company throughout its 100-year history, points to a very bright future for the company as it starts its second century in business."
AMG boss, Ola Källenius said
"We are proud to work with Aston Martin and provide them with powertrain and electric/electronic components for their forthcoming sports cars. This is proof of AMG's technological and performance expertise and a real win-win situation for both sides."
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