Merc boss quashes Aston takeover rumour
MERCEDES-BENZ CEO Ola Källenius has strongly denied rumours that the company is set to take a controlling stake in Aston Martin.
“No, we’re not going to take industrial control of Aston Martin,” Källenius told Autocar. “But we have a very successful co-operation with Aston Martin and that will continue.”
The Stuttgart-based company’s current 5% shareholding in Aston Martin was cemented in a technical partnership forged with its AMG division in 2013.
Since then, the firms have increased their level of cooperation to include the supply of V8 petrol engines, electric platforms and, most recently, a sharing of hybrid drivetrains and intellectual property pertaining to the Mercedesamg Petronas Formula 1 car, as well as the RP20 racer of Racing Point, which will adopt
MCLAREN’S FIRST Seriesproduction hybrid has been made official, after the company confirmed it will be launched next year as a replacement for its longrunning Sports Series line.
Labelled by Mclaren as a ‘High-performance Hybrid’ (HPH) supercar, it has entered the final stage of testing with a hybrid powertrain based on a new turbocharged V6 petrol engine. It is claimed to
Aston Martin branding in 2021.
Källenius recently hinted to Autocar that the two firms could deepen their ties: “The partnership is robust. Will it lead to more? Nothing deliver “astonishing levels of performance and a uniquely intense driving experience”.
Autocar understands it will be a plug-in hybrid with an EV range of about 20 miles and power from both the engine and electric motors will be sent through the rear axle. It will be built on a new Mclaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture.
Mclaren Automotive CEO Mike Flewitt called it “a new kind of Mclaren and a new era”.
I can comment on today.”
Speculation of a possible takeover intensified back in May when AMG chairman Tobias Moers was chosen to replace Andy Palmer as
CEO of Aston Martin.
Previously, it had been reported that Mercedesamg F1 boss Toto Wolff had purchased 14.5 million shares in Aston Martin in a deal initiated by majority shareholder Lawrence Stroll, who took a 16.7% controlling stake in Aston Martin in January for £182 million.
Stroll’s investment formed part of £500 million in emergency funding provided to Aston Martin, which raised a further £207 million in equity and debt in June.
Mercedes previously considered using Aston Martin to coachbuild exclusive Maybach models but is reported to have abandoned the plans after building a concept car that was never shown in public.