Aston Martin partners with Toyota to launch supermini car
LONDON - Aston Martin is to launch a supermini commuter vehicle in partnership with Toyota.
The new model, to be called Cygnet, will be based on the same technology used in Toyota's iQ vehicle. The Cygnet will be built at Aston Martin's global headquarters at Gaydon. The model is expected to go on sale next year and cost as little as £20,000.
‘Now is the right time for Aston Martin to take this first bold step to embark on this special project,' said Aston Martin chief executive, Dr Ulrich Bez. ‘This concept - akin to an exclusive tender to a luxury yacht - will allow us to apply Aston Martin design language, craftsmanship and brand values to a completely new segment of the market.'
The luxury car market is suffering poor sales in the economic downturn. Aston Martin has only sold 510 new vehicles so far this year, down 41% year-on-year, while Bentley sales are down 64%.
Aston Martin
Comments
Mike Page - 29/06/2009
Why? I just don't get it at all. Have they been sniffing the wood glue up at Gaydon? Astons are lithe and curvy (the 70's Lagonda aside) and Toyotas ain't (Supra aside).
Frankenstein's monster springs to mind.
Kevin Gordon - 30/06/2009
Aston and Toyota have got it absolutely right.
Neil Smallwood - 30/06/2009
I'm not sure its a good move for their brand but they have to lower the overall emissions of their car range somehow to meet EU targets. Lamborghini can offset with other lower emissions cars in the VW group, Ferrari are offset with Fiat's low emission cars, even Jagaur can offset against Tata. Not sure Aston have any choice but to produce something like this.
mark pinkerton - 30/06/2009
Neil is absoluely correct - it is all about average emissions and MPG reductions. Also any brand damage is being reduced by only offering the £22k Cygnet to existing Aston owners. It's an exciting time in the motor industry and left-field thinking like this is exactly what is required for a small manufacturer like Aston Martin to survive. Either way it is progress compared to the Lagonda proposal that was a monstrosity!