Changes Afoot At Mclaren-Mercedes - Project Romeo and Juliet

While some at Mercedes-Benz are wondering ‘what’s in it for them’, reports from Car Magazine claim that the German car-maker and shareholder in the McLaren Group are to join forces with Aston Martin in a new 300m Euro deal. The ramifications of such a deal could naturally have an impact on McLaren Automotive, who in turn are believed to be pursuing its own range of super-car from 2010 with the blessing of Mercedes-Benz.

While consolidation is very much the buzzword in car-making circles at the moment with General Motors and Chrysler looking to merge in the US, the proposed deal in Europe would initially see Aston Marin working on the next generation Maybach, while Mercedes would supply engines to Aston Martin.

Dubbed ‘Project Romeo and Juliet’ the plan is seen by some as a successor to the relationship with McLaren Automotive and the production of the current SLR McLaren super-car at a time when Mercedes-Benz look to take control of the McLaren Group and Formula One operation.

“Our agreement with McLaren won’t last forever,” Car Magazine quoted an unnamed source as saying. “There will be no replacement for the SLR, and as soon as the price is right, we are interested in taking over the F1 business. This opens up all sorts of opportunities for a new partner with strong know-how in terms of coach-building and bespoke vehicles.”

McLaren Group Chief Operating Officer and F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh stated that Mercedes-Benz and McLaren continue to focus initially on the immediate goals.

“Mercedes-Benz and McLaren continue to enjoy a broad and successful partnership, currently focused on seeking to win in Formula One and building the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren,” Whitmarsh told Racing-Live.

In the longer term, Whitmarsh accepts that the German car giant is looking at the big picture and is looking to increase its stake in the company from the current 40 percent to full ownership. This process may however not be easy to achieve.

“The shareholders are committed to the development of a long-term strategy via which the McLaren Group will build upon what they have already achieved together,” Whitmarsh continued.

“As you would expect, the shareholders frequently have friendly and fruitful discussions on the subject of how to optimise the running of the Group, and, since the Group is a successful and exciting one with which to be involved, we would be surprised and disappointed if our shareholders were not interested in increasing their shareholdings. But recent press speculation is just that - speculation - and we have nothing to report.”

While Mercedes-Benz currently own a 40 percent stake in the McLaren Group, Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, a wholly owned company of the Kingdom of Bahrain, acquired a 30 percent stake in the McLaren Group last year. Ron Dennis, McLaren Group Chairman and CEO, retains a 15 percent stake in the firm with TAG owns the remaining 15 percent. While Mercedes-Benz may wish to increase its stake in the McLaren Group, they will need the blessing and agreement of the existing shareholders.

Earl ALEXANDER
© CAPSIS International

Article Sourced From: F1-Live