REPORT: Mercedes-Benz rumored to have secured a tie-up with Aston Martin

What could be link between Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin and Ducati? At first sight, it seems like none, but going deep into the problem solves the mystery. It looks that Aston Martin, now administrated by former Ducati owner Investindustrial, is eyeing a strong technical partnership with Mercedes-Benz AMG division.

The cooperation, yet to be made official, will see Mercedes-AMG provide full powetrains (including engine, gearbox and technical platform) for future Aston Martin models. The British premium firm producing high-end sports cars is now owned by two investment funds: Investindustrial form Italy with a 37.5% stake (as part of a Memorandum of Understanding with the major shareholder for 185 million dollars) and the Kuweit-based Investment Dar with the remaining majority of shares (72.5%).

Aston Martin targets to benefit from the launch of a new AMG V12 engine expected to be released towards 2015, that will replace company's old 12-cylinder Ford unit which powers current models like the Vanquish and DB9. The total value of the new partnership is still unknown, but Investindustrial plans to invest over 600 million dollars at Aston Martin over the next five years in regard to production facilities, dealership network and new models.

It is also worth mentioning Investindustrial won 1.1 billion euros after it sold Ducati Italian motorbike manufacturer (whom the company from Affalterbach had a marketing alliance with during 2011 and 2012) to Audi last year. What is more: Aston Martin could eventually build the Lagonda SUV in around 2-3 years from now, which means the partnership with Mercedes-Benz could also see the Germans supply the Brits with the 4x4 platform of the GL-Class.

In the past, we reported several times on the possibility of a partnership between Daimler and Aston Martin for the development of the future generation of Maybach limousines. In 2012, talks came abruptly to an end and Maybach got discontinued, with the new S-Class portfolio of models destined to replace the high luxury brand.

Now, if reports are confirmed and insiders are not at fault, then this anticipated tie-up with Aston Martin could see Mercedes-Benz in a fairly winning position, as the amount of money involved for constructing powertrains for the partner, as well as ancillary components, is certainly completely worth the challenge and like a huge dose of fresh air for the German brand in these crisis times.

Note: Aston Martin Vanquish pictured.

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