British luxury sports car manufacturer Aston Martin and Chinese technology leader LeTV signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on a research partnership for the development of connected electric vehicles. The partnership will see the two companies working together on research projects ranging from connected car technologies through to manufacturing consultation on new electric vehicles.
The partnership could help Aston Martin to introduce technologies in the future RapidE, the first ever all-electric Aston Martin, which will be manufactured at the company’s UK headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire. The RapidE will draw on advanced technology solutions from leading global suppliers including those based in the UK and China.
The Chinese tech major Letv will bring their engineering and product development capabilities to help provide advanced connected car solutions to the RapidE. Besides the two partners will begin a feasibility study focused on bringing Aston Martin consulting expertise in high quality manufacturing to support the production of future Letv electric vehicles.
Commenting on the significance of this new partnership, Dr. Andy Palmer, CEO of Aston Martin said, “We see the connected vehicles as a vital part of our future product portfolio and welcome LeTV as a research partners in this exciting venture. Both the Chinese and British Governments have taken meaningful steps to encourage the widespread adoption of zero emission technologies, and we look forward to utilizing our expertise not only for our RapidE cars, but also in providing manufacturing assistance through our consulting capability, to LeTV.
