Mercedes-Benz considering Aston Martin buyout

Mercedes-Benz is reportedly considering a deal to buyout sports car manufacturer Aston Martin, which would increase the firm’s current 5% stake in the British brand.

Following a deal to supply AMG engines to Aston for its next generation of vehicles (hence the current 5% share), a buyout or even further investment in Aston Martin could be beneficial to both brands.

On Bing: see pictures of the Aston Martin Lagonda SUV concept

Find out how much a used Aston Martin costs on Auto Trader

With Mercedes technical expertise and existing model range, it opens up potential new models to Aston Martin.

It’s no secret the firm has been toying with the idea of a premium SUV, showing its Lagonda concept at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

MSN Cars caught up with Aston CEO Dr Ulrich Bez late last year, with the company boss highlighting “we’re the only ones not doing this [making an SUV]. We don’t have the financial means to do this.”

Investment from Mercedes may mean a high-end off-roader – such as a production version of the Lagonda concept – could come to fruition, underpinned by Mercedes’ ML 4X4 platform and using AMG powertrains.

A potential future tie-up between the two companies could go further than just one model, however.

An Aston Martin derivative of the Mercedes S63 AMG luxury saloon would certainly fit with the high-end sporting nature of the British brand, and would open the firm up to yet another new set of customers.

According to Autocar, Mercedes-Benz chief executive officer Dieter Zetsche did not do anything to quell the rumours, outlining, “This [Aston Martin] is a fantastic brand, and we are willing to support its further development.”

A cryptic statement maybe, but it certainly doesn’t rule out a Mercedes takeover in the future.

With BMW owning luxury brand Rolls-Royce and Volkswagen having been at the helm of Bentley for years – with both British brand also busying themselves with SUV projects – it would be a strong opportunity for Merc to acquire a luxury marque, putting it on a level standing with its German counterparts.

On Bing: see pictures of the Aston Martin Lagonda SUV concept

Find out how much a used Aston Martin costs on Auto Trader

MSN Cars catches up with Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez

Why Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Aston and Jag are going SUV crazy

By motoringresearch.com