Rumors have swirled regarding Mercedes-Benz increasing its stake in Aston Martin to the point of completely buying the company and incorporating the small British automaker into its fold. Those rumors were shot down at the Paris Motor Show by the head honcho himself, Daimler chief Dieter Zetsche.
“There are no plans to increase our stake or take over,” Zetsche outright says. “[It] would not be in Aston’s interests to be incorporated into a big corporate organization, as it would include risk.”
Currently Mercedes owns five percent of non-voting shares in Aston Martin. The partial ownership came by way of a technical partnership struck in 2013 where Aston Martin has access to AMG resources for engine and electrical components.
Zetsche continued in saying, “Aston is only 4000 units a year so there is also a danger we would be distracted from our core business. The deal is a perfect fit for both brands as it allows Aston to remain independent but also benefit from outside technology.”
Aston Martin’s outlook is bright these days. Besides the helpful engineering hand AMG is extending Aston’s way, Andy Palmer of Nissan has moved over to head the specialty automaker. “I regret Andy Palmer leaving Nissan as he was very positive to work with for us, but as he’s left I welcome him to Aston and look forward to future co-operation,” Zetsche remarked.
Click past the jump to read more about the Mercedes-Aston Martin partnership.
Mercedes Has No Plans To Increase Stake In Aston Martin originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 7 October 2014 10:00 EST.
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