The situation for high-end car manufacturers, regardless of whether they are luxury or sports cars, has been difficult for several years now. So, apart from McLaren and Ferrari—to be precise, yes, it is now independent, but there is a partnership with Maserati and, consequently, with FCA—all the others belong to or work closely with a large group. Which either holds the majority of their shares or a significant percentage of them.
Aston Martin now belongs to the second category., as within Over the next three years, 20% of its shares will be transferred to Mercedes. and its parent company Daimler. In exchange for technology transfer with regard to both plug-in hybrid and electric propulsion systems, as well as frames which will form the basis for the British company's future EVs.
Mercedes already owns 2.61% of Aston Martin shares. -the initial percentage was 5% but was reduced due to continuous capital increases- while the latter uses the 4,000 cc bi-turbo V8 of the former in its models.
The new framework for cooperation will be significantly broader. and is essentially the guarantee for Aston Martin's survival, which on its own would be unlikely to succeed in the transition to the era of electric mobility.
The first writing sampleThe result of this collaboration will be the plug-in hybrid DBX –the brand's first SUV, on which many of its hopes are pinned— which will use technology from the German company, while the same will apply to the first all-electric Aston Martin, expected in 2026.
Here it is worth noting that The British company had the limited-production electric Rapide E ready. -would be manufactured in a total of 155 units- but at the beginning of this year he canceled. due to financial difficulties, the entire project. Also addresses issues with the Valhalla supercar for which It is most likely to use mechanical parts and electronic systems from Mercedes.
By Yannis Skoufis
