Once More For Clarity: Daimler Not Seeking Aston Martin Purchase

Let’s be clear, Daimler boss Dieter Zetsche told press at this week’s Paris Motor Show, “there are no plans to increase our stake, or take over”.

He’s speaking, of course, about Aston Martin and the new engine supply and technology sharing deal struck between the two companies last year.

That partnership has seen Daimler take five percent in non-voting Aston Martin shares, which is owned primarily by Italy’s Investindustrial and Kuwait’s Investment Dar.

Speaking with the UK’s Autocar in Paris, Zetsche stressed that there is no desire to expand Daimler’s share in the luxury and supercar brand, highlighting the potential for a negative impact on both companies.

“[It] would not be in Aston’s interests to be incorporated into a big corporate organisation, as it would include risk,” Zetsche said.

He added that, with Aston’s low annual volumes, any deeper ties with the British brand meant that Daimler - and its key subsidiary Mercedes-Benz - could be distracted from its core business goals.

The current partnership, Zetsche believes, will result in a strong relationship while still allowing Aston Martin to remain an independent company that can direct its own future.

We should see the first fruit of that partnership in the next couple of years, with Aston already confirming development of a new platform to underpin its next-generation supercar range.

MORE: Aston’s New DB Car Due In 2016: Report
MORE: Aston Martin Undecided On Next DB model’s Name