Aston Martin plans new model blitz

Aston Martin looks to be set for a new-model blitz following reports that it has raised $165 million - approximately £100 million - in fresh funding.

According to the Financial Times, Aston’s chief financial officer, Hanno Kirner, said the cash would “provide a solid foundation for the execution of our future product plan”. 

The loan - and the interest on it - is due to be repaid or refinanced in 2018, which suggests that the first new Aston model will be on the road in around three years’ time.

The proposed Aston Martin Lagonda SUV would be the most likely all-new model due to the continuing boom in the global luxury SUV segment. The Lagonda has recently been bought back to the front of Aston Martin's model plans thanks to its parts sharing deal with Mercedes-Benz.

While Daimler boss Dieter Zetsche has said he would be open to expanding the partnership, possibly to include platform sharing, rumours are abound that the company will instead buy Aston Martin completely. The firm already owns five per cent of the UK supercar maker.

If an extended agreement between the two companies is finalised, the Lagonda SUV is likely to be based on the Mercedes GL.

Additional reporting by Darren Moss.