Maybach on its deathbed, but Aston Martin may fly to the rescue

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Maybach cars are prestigious, expensive and oh-so-luxurious – but also unpopular: less than 200 units were sold worldwide in 2010. Given the brand’s anemic sales, Daimler may put the axe to it shortly, but a possible partnership with Aston Martin could save the day.

When asked about Maybach’s future and an association with the British automaker last week, president and CEO of Daimler Dieter Zetsche said “there is a higher likelihood to come to a positive decision”.

Photo: Birdman

We’ll know around July 1 if Aston Martin will step in or if Maybach will take a final bow.

Daimler had originally planned on selling around 500 Maybachs per year, but evidently never found the winning formula to do so. In contrast, Bentley and Rolls-Royce managed to sell 1,430 and 512 vehicles, respectively, last year in the US.

The road ahead won’t be easy, and Maybach is in need of a good shock treatment both in terms of style and technology, with an ageing platform dating back to 2003.

Aston Martin is famous for its prestigious automobiles, unique and impeccably styled, and could be the perfect company for the job. The question is, is Aston up to it? We’ll have to wait and see.