Aston Martin to develop SUV, revamp model lineup

It has been previously reported that the first of the next-gen Aston Martins are due to appear in 2016 and are set to be powered by powerplants sourced from Mercedes-Benz. Now, word is that the Gaydon-based sportscar manufacturer has been promised the cash to go about developing its next-gen models, with its revamp plans due to be revealed in Geneva.

According to Bloomberg, primary stakeholder Investindustrial S.p.A. – which acquired a 37.5% stake in AM back in 2012 – has stated it will provide the necessary resources to grow the brand.

“Aston has an industrial plan which is growing in its ambitions and we have always planned to participate in all funding needs that Aston has. It hasn’t been decided yet, but if Aston needs capital, we’re there,” Investindustrial chairman Andrea Bonomi was quoted as saying.

He added that the details of the new Aston game plan will come about in Geneva, where Palmer will offer a clear indication of where the brand is going including the prospects of building the company’s first SUV.

The news of the development of an SUV changes the tack considerably – up to last year, it was said that such a vehicle wasn’t part of the company’s game plan. So, while the Lagonda Concept (seen here) didn’t translate to production reality, it looks like AM is set to venture down the crossover route, like Bentley and Maserati.

The brand has been gearing up for its redevelopment with the recruitment of some key personnel – former Nissan chief planning officer Andy Palmer has been signed on as CEO, and a month ago, Lotus’ chief engineer Matt Becker was hired to run a similar role at Aston Martin.

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