Mercedes Benz / Aston Martin

[Marcus]

O.K. it´s just a German article I found, saying that MB and AM have entered into talks for the supply of engines to AM and at some later stage for MB to supply the whole platform including drivetrain:

Verhandlungen: Mercedes-Benz sucht Kooperation mit Aston Martin - Auto - SPIEGEL ONLINE - Nachrichten


Rumors have it that in a long term perspective MB is keen to acquire AM shares because according to DAIMLER´s CEO Zetsche AM "fits perfectly into DAIMLER´s portfolio".

Does anybody of you know anything more about this (IMHO) alarming news?

Best,
Marcus

 

[Hellemans]

Marcus,
Yes this is doing the rounds. Let's not forget that the AM engines are build by Ford in Cologne as part of the "Duratec" line of engines. What must bother AM most is that it has to "share" the V8 with a direct competator Jaguar who's coupe resembles theirs...
So AM looking to change supplier OK but for MB to buy into AM more difficult as they will want to protect/extend their McL stake. All this is speculation in the press offcause.