Aston Martin to Steer Clear of Mercedes SUV Platform

Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd. refutes reports that its upcoming crossover vehicle will share a platform with Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV. The British company is targeting a 2019 introduction for its vehicle, which will be based on the DBX concept it unveiled at the Geneva auto show in March.

CEO Andy Palmer tells Automotive News Europe the crossover will feature car-like attributes including exterior styling and driver comfort making it better suited for Aston Martin's next-generation sports car architecture. But he doesn't rule out using some unspecified Mercedes parts.

The new crossover is aimed at attracting more women and younger buyers to the brand, as well as expanding Aston Martin's sales in China. Its car characteristics will be combined with the higher ride height and more spacious rear-seat layout typical of crossovers and SUVs.

Palmer didn't say when a decision would be made about the crossover's platform. The company recently raised more than $300 million to develop non-traditional models for the luxury sports car brand, such as the new crossover, to boost annual sales to 15,000 units.

Aston Martin's new sports car architecture, which is due to launch next year with the DB9 2+2 replacement, will feature greater use of aluminum to help reduce weight. Daimler, which owns 5% of Aston Martin, will supply electrical architectures and V-8 engines for the new cars.