NEW MODELS of Aston Martin, introduced by Haji Husein Alireza & Co. Ltd. (HHA) in the Saudi auto market, are "unique hand crafted high-class sports cars that represent power, beauty and soul.”

The introduction coincided with Aston Martin's announcement of a technical partnership with Mercedes-AMG GmbH, a 100 percent subsidiary and high-performance brand of German  automotive corporation Daimler AG.

A letter of intent to this end was signed on July 25 in Gaydon, and both parties are working toward signing definitive agreements before the end of 2013, according to Aston Martin's announcement from Gaydon.

Such agreements are subject to regulatory approvals. The proposed deal will see Aston Martin's significant access to Mercedes-Benz Cars' resources, allowing the development of bespoke V8 power trains and use of certain components of electriclelectronic (ele) architecture.

Daimler AG will take up to five per cent non-voting shares in Aston Martin depending on the progress of the agreement. The company will join the existing shareholders that include Investment DAR, Adeem Investment and Investindustrial.

The technical partnership will support Aston Martin’s launch of a new generation that will incorporate cutting edge technology and newly-developed bespoke V8 powertrains. An essential element of the planned partnership is a supply agreement between Mercedes-AMG, Daimler AG and Aston Martin.

Aston Martin, which is Britain’s most exclusive sports car company, is celebrating its centenary this year. The company will continue to manufacture all of its sports cars at its Gaydon headquarters in Wannrickshire, England.

Aston Martin Product Development Director Ian Minards said: “We have selected AMG specifically as the basis for this powertrain development process. Aston Martin sources cutting edge technology from key suppliers around the globe and the opportunity to include content from Mercedes-AMG GmbH in our next generation sports cars is, clearly, good news.”

He added: “Working with Mercedes-AMG in this way while, of course, remaining independent and preserving the unique character and style of Aston Martin that has been the mainstay of the company throughout its 100-year history, points to a very bright future for the company as it starts its second century in business.”

Ola Kallenius, head of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, said: “We are proud to work with Aston Martin and provide them with powertrain and ele components for their forthcoming sports cars. This is proof of AMG’s technological and performance expertise and a real win-win situation for both sides.”

The companies confirm that their respective engineering teams will work together to optimize the implementation of this technical partnership. Both parties have agreed that no further details of the planned technical partnership will be revealed for the time being.