Aston Martin, the legendary British luxury carmaker, has announced that it will launch its first electric car this summer as part of its electrification plans. Lawrence Stroll, the president of Aston Martin, recently confirmed that the company would unveil its future model line, which will include a 100% electric vehicle, in the coming months.
The event will showcase updated versions of Aston Martin's three front-engined grand tourers, the Vantage, DB11, and DBS, and a prototype of the mid-engined supercar Vanquish will sit immediately below the Valhalla and Valkyrie models. The announcement marks a significant shift in Aston Martin's strategy as it looks to boost its electrification program.
Aston Martin is expected to launch its first two electric cars, a sports car and an SUV, in 2025. The Aston Martin Vantage, Aston Martin DB11, and Aston Martin DBS will be replaced by zero-emission proposals. The DB11 likely be the first to be replaced by an electric vehicle since it is the oldest of the three. The SUV could correspond to the next generation of the DBX.
Despite recent financial struggles, Aston Martin posted an operating profit of $7.9 million in the last three months, indicating that its financial health is restored or at least very much recovered. This will allow the company to move forward with its electrification program, which was previously slowed down after the cancellation of the Rapide E and the failed relaunch of the Lagonda brand.
There are rumors that Aston Martin may collaborate with various partners, including Lucid and Mercedes-Benz, to develop its electric range. Aston Martin's main shareholder is the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, which controls 16.7% of the manufacturer. The PIF is also the largest shareholder in Lucid Air so Aston Martin could take advantage of the advanced technology used in the Air saloon for its future launches.
Additionally, Geely, a Chinese multinational automotive company, recently acquired a 7.6% stake in Aston Martin. Given that Geely also owns 9.7% of Mercedes-Benz, both companies will likely join forces to increase their influence in the British firm, which already uses powertrains from Mercedes-Benz in some of its vehicles.
Aston Martin's move towards electric vehicles signals a change in the traditional approach of high-performance luxury carmakers. It follows the lead of other major automakers who have already committed to electrification, including Jaguar, Porsche, and Bentley. Introducing electric vehicles allows Aston Martin to appeal to a broader audience while maintaining its commitment to performance and luxury.
In conclusion, Aston Martin's shift towards electric vehicles is a significant step towards a more sustainable future for the automotive industry. The launch of its first electric vehicle this summer is highly anticipated. The company's collaborations with industry partners such as Lucid and Mercedes-Benz could lead to advanced electric vehicle technology development. With renewed financial health and an electrification program in the works, the future of the iconic British brand looks bright.
