Aston Martin is Looking for a Chinese EV Partner
Aston Martin is hoping to lend its expertise on lightweight materials and aerodynamics with a Chinese automaker.
Known for its stunning sports cars, Aston Martin has so far been successful in its turnaround plan. Last year, the British automaker’s sales rose 58 percent to 5,117 units, its highest volume in nine years, and now it’s looking towards the future with electrification. Aston Martin expects by 2030 that electric vehicles will account for 25 percent of its sales, while the rest of the lineup is expected to be hybrids.
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Currently, Aston Martin is engaged in talks with various Chinese automakers and startups, according to CEO Andy Palmer. The company is looking to setup a joint venture in China to help enter the world’s largest market for EVs, but don’t expect to see production taking place in China. Instead, Aston Martin is seeking collaboration to share its knowledge on lightweight materials and aerodynamic technologies to improve performance of EVs.
The Aston Martin RapidE will be the brand’s first electric sportscar, and Chinese battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) is among a list of suppliers Aston Martin is considering. The electric sedan will be limited to 155 units and is due to go on sale next year.
[Source: Automotive News Europe]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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