Aston Martin and 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 statement said.
“It is envisaged that these technologies could feature in the future RapidE, the first ever all-electric Aston Martin, which will be manufactured at the company’s UK headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire,” it added.
The RapidE will draw on advanced technology solutions from leading global suppliers including those based in the UK and China.
The new research partnership will also begin a feasibility study focused on bringing Aston Martin consulting expertise in high quality manufacturing to support the production of future Letv electric vehicles.
“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 utilising our expertise not only for our RapidE cars, but also in providing manufacturing assistance through our consulting capability to Letv,” Andy Palmer, CEO of the Aston Martin said.
“It is a win-win venture which symbolises the deepening collaboration and reformation between IT and automobile industries,” Yueting Jia, board chairman and CEO of Letv Holding Group said.
“In the future, it possible that the two parties will not only work together on IOV (Internet of Vehicle) technologies, but also leverage their respective resources to carry out long-term, all-around cooperation into building connected electric vehicles with disruptive values, aiming at providing the next-generation transportation tools and traffic solutions for both China and the UK, and indeed for the world,” Yueting added.
