Aston Martin and Mercedes working together for new models?

Aston Martin and Mercedes might join forces to create together new engines and even new models. Adham Charanoglu, business development manager for Investment Dar, which bought Aston Martin from Ford Motor Co. last March, said it had held talks with Mercedes and with LVMH’s Louis Vuitton and PPR’s Gucci on branded merchandising.

Charanoglu wants Aston Martin’s revenue to rise from $100 million in 2006 to more than $300 million by 2009. Production will also be increased to up to 8,000 cars in 2008 to 2009, from 7,000 a year in 2007.

Charanoglu also said production would continue in the UK. "Whatever has been produced in the UK will continue to be produced in the UK," said Charanoglu, sporting a pin-badge of the famous Aston Martin wings on his lapel.