Nissan and Infiniti executive Andy Palmer will replace Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez at an undisclosed date. Ahead of joining Nissan in 1991, the 51-year-old engineer had led Austin Rover’s transmission improvement. As head of Infiniti, he earned his credentials as an executive of a premium brand.
The headhunters dispatched to locate a replacement for Bez had been out for a extended time and pitched various automotive executives. Succeeding Bez at the helm won’t be an easy task as Aston Martin’s model lineup is in want of a thorough overhaul. All at present supplied models use variations of the aging VH platform, and design and style hasn’t progressed much ever since Ian Callum penned the V8 Vantage and the DB9 much more than a decade ago. The engine portfolio is outdated, as nicely.
Palmer now faces the challenge of integrating the technologies that will be offered by Mercedes-AMG Aston Martin and Daimler’s high-efficiency subsidiary have agreed on employing AMG engines and hardware. Daimler owns 5 percent of Aston Martin.
If Daimler takes over Aston Martin in its entirety, Palmer’s function could have to be redefined. But he is well versed in his dealings with Daimler at Nissan and Infiniti, he oversaw the joint development of projects with the German-primarily based premium carmaker.
In spite of his claims of getting a gearhead, Palmer’s credentials are rusty at greatest, according to some insiders. He was behind the launch of some questionable recent NISMO goods. Before that, his background was as a transmission engineer he’s one of the individuals most accountable for the reality Nissan is now the world’s major manufacturer of CVTs.
When we spoke with Palmer at Infiniti, he sang the praises of hybrid technologies. No matter whether he’ll pursue this passion at Aston Martin remains to be noticed.
Other Stories You May Like
Star Search: Infiniti Exec Andy Palmer to Take Reins at Aston Martin
Hiç yorum yok:
Yorum Gönder