Daimler chief Dieter Zetsche is open to extending Mercedes-Benz’s tie-up with Aston Martin beyond the initial deal signed last month.
Zetsche, speaking to Autocar at the Detroit motor show, said there were currently “no further plans” beyond the deal for Mercedes AMG to supply V8 engines and electrical architectures to Aston in exhange for five per cent of the non-voting shares in Aston, but “we will go for it and see how it develops”.
Insiders at both Aston and Mercedes have hinted that the deal could extend into platform sharing, including an Aston Lagonda SUV based on the Mercedes GL.
Zetsche said the deal came about after Aston Martin “came to the conclusion that it would be important if not necessary to have a partnership for future technology”.
“Electronic architectures and engines require big investment that can be hard to secure on small volumes,” added Zetsche. “We have a supply agreement that is good for them and good for us as it’s an entry point to a five per cent [share in Aston]. It’s a good move for both sides.”
