Aston Martin Targets 2016 Launch for New Model, SUV Expected
Aston Martin has confirmed plans to introduce a new model by 2016, with strong indications the long-rumoured luxury SUV will take centre stage as the brand seeks growth.
Aston Martin will add a new model to its line-up by 2016, with the company’s chief financial officer confirming the plan as the British marque seeks to expand beyond its traditional sports car range. While details remain under wraps, industry sources and recent statements point strongly to the long-anticipated luxury SUV as the most likely candidate.
Hanno Kirner, Aston Martin’s chief financial officer, told the Financial Times that the new model would arrive in 2016 or 2017, but stopped short of naming the vehicle. Speculation has centred on an SUV since the company revealed the Lagonda SUV concept at previous motor shows and signalled its intention to compete with high-end rivals entering the segment.
SUV likely to lead Aston Martin’s expansion
The move towards an SUV would mark a major shift for Aston Martin, which has historically focused on grand tourers and sports cars. The company’s partnership with Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz division is expected to play a key role, with the next-generation Mercedes GL platform (MRA) a likely basis for the new model. This collaboration could give Aston Martin access to advanced drivetrains and electronics, addressing the engineering and compliance challenges of entering the SUV market.
The Lagonda SUV concept, first shown at Geneva, previewed the brand’s ambitions and hinted at a design language that would set it apart from rivals such as the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus, both of which are targeting affluent buyers seeking performance and exclusivity in a high-riding format.
Funding and future product strategy
Aston Martin’s product plans have gained momentum following a recent $165 million funding round, which the company says will underpin the next phase of model development. The investment, secured through Senior Subordinated Pay-in-Kind notes due 2018, is intended to support the launch of new vehicles and reinforce the brand’s position against competitors with larger parent groups and broader portfolios.
The Daimler partnership could extend beyond SUVs. Media reports suggest that Mercedes is developing a new modular sports car architecture (MSA) for its SLK and SL models, potentially available to Aston Martin after 2019. This could allow future Aston Martin sports cars to share advanced underpinnings, reducing development costs and time to market.
What the SUV could mean for Aston Martin
A successful SUV would give Aston Martin access to a rapidly growing segment and offer a route to higher volumes, especially in markets such as China and North America where demand for luxury SUVs remains strong. The new model would also help diversify the company’s range, which has relied on variations of the Vantage, DB9 and Vanquish in recent years.
With the first deliveries expected from 2016, dealers and suppliers will be watching closely for official confirmation and technical details. The move mirrors strategies by other premium brands and comes as Aston Martin seeks to build on its independence with targeted partnerships and fresh investment. For more on Aston Martin’s investment strategy, see Aston Martin Secures Backing for Model Range Investment
