Aston Martin is one of the world’s most iconic luxury car brands, known for its sleek designs and powerful performance. Many car enthusiasts wonder who stands behind this prestigious British manufacturer that has created some of the most beautiful sports cars in automotive history.
Currently, Aston Martin is owned by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, who serves as the executive chairman of Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC.
The ownership of this legendary brand has changed hands several times since its founding in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford. Ford Motor Company owned Aston Martin for nearly two decades before selling it in 2007 to a consortium led by David Richards, chairman of Prodrive motorsport company. The British manufacturer has survived through various financial challenges while maintaining its reputation for creating exceptional luxury vehicles.
Lawrence Stroll, a Canadian businessman and Formula 1 enthusiast, acquired a significant stake in Aston Martin in 2020. Under his leadership, the company has strengthened its connection to motorsport by rebranding Racing Point F1 Team as Aston Martin F1 Team. This move has helped bring renewed attention to the storied brand as it continues to compete in both the luxury automotive market and on the racetrack.
Key Takeaways
- Aston Martin is currently owned by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll who serves as executive chairman of the company.
- The luxury sports car manufacturer has changed ownership several times since its 1913 founding, including a nearly two-decade period under Ford’s control.
- Aston Martin maintains its prestigious position in car culture while expanding its motorsport presence through Formula 1 racing.
History of Aston Martin
Aston Martin’s journey from a small British workshop to a global luxury car brand spans over a century. The company has passed through multiple owners while maintaining its reputation for elegance and performance.
Founding Fathers
Aston Martin was founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford. The two business partners shared a passion for cars and racing. They initially called their company “Bamford & Martin Ltd.”
The name “Aston Martin” came about when Lionel Martin successfully raced their cars at Aston Hill in Buckinghamshire, England. This combination of “Aston” from the hill and “Martin” from Lionel’s last name created the iconic brand name we know today.
Their early vehicles were known for their craftsmanship and racing capabilities. The founders aimed to create cars that combined performance, elegance, and quality. These values remain at the heart of the Aston Martin brand over a century later.
David Brown Era
In 1947, David Brown Limited purchased Aston Martin, marking the beginning of what many consider the company’s golden age. David Brown was already established in manufacturing, with his company making gears and machine tools since 1860.
Under Brown’s leadership, Aston Martin created some of its most famous and beloved models. The “DB” series of cars (named after David Brown’s initials) began during this time and continues to be used in model names today.
The DB5 became especially famous as James Bond’s car in the 1964 film “Goldfinger.” This cemented Aston Martin’s place in popular culture and enhanced its reputation for sophistication and performance.
Brown’s ownership lasted until 1972, but his influence on the brand was so significant that Aston Martin’s parent company was named Aston Martin Lagonda Group Limited, established during his era in 1947.
Aston Martin’s Ownership Journey
Aston Martin has changed hands several times throughout its history, with each owner leaving a distinct mark on the luxury car manufacturer. The brand’s ownership transitions reflect its evolution from a small British carmaker to a global luxury automotive icon.
Ford Motor Company Period
Ford Motor Company acquired Aston Martin in 1987, bringing much-needed stability and resources to the British luxury brand. This acquisition placed Aston Martin within Ford’s Premier Automotive Group, which included other luxury brands like Jaguar and Volvo.
During Ford’s ownership, Aston Martin experienced significant growth and development. Ford invested heavily in new models and manufacturing facilities, helping to modernize the brand.
The company introduced several iconic models during this period, including:
- DB7
- Vanquish
- DB9
These models helped reestablish Aston Martin as a premier luxury sports car manufacturer. Ford’s ownership lasted for about 20 years, providing Aston Martin with the longest period of stable ownership in its history.
David Richards Leadership
In 2007, David Richards, chairman of Prodrive motorsport company, purchased Aston Martin from Ford. This acquisition marked the return of Aston Martin to British ownership. Richards led a consortium that included two Kuwaiti investment houses – Investment Dar and Adeem Investment.
The deal was valued at approximately £479 million ($925 million). Under Richards’ leadership, Aston Martin continued to develop high-performance vehicles while maintaining its British heritage and craftsmanship.
This period saw the launch of the DBS model, which gained additional fame through its appearance in James Bond films. Richards’ ownership focused on preserving the brand’s exclusive image while expanding its global presence.
The company faced challenges during the 2008 financial crisis but managed to survive through careful management and strategic decisions. Richards maintained ownership until 2013, guiding the company through a tumultuous economic period.
Daimler AG Partnership
In 2013, Aston Martin formed a strategic partnership with Daimler AG, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz. This partnership represented a major shift in Aston Martin’s technical development strategy.
Daimler acquired a 5% stake in Aston Martin, which later increased. The partnership gave Aston Martin access to Mercedes-AMG engines and electronic architecture, crucial for the brand’s future product development.
The first fruits of this collaboration appeared in the DB11 model, which featured Mercedes-AMG V8 engines alongside Aston’s own V12 options. This partnership helped Aston Martin reduce development costs while gaining access to cutting-edge technology.
The Daimler partnership didn’t represent full ownership but signified an important strategic alliance that helped Aston Martin remain competitive in the increasingly technology-driven automotive industry. This relationship continues to influence Aston Martin’s technical direction today.
Current Ownership Structure
Aston Martin’s ownership has changed significantly in recent years, with a notable shift toward the leadership of Lawrence Stroll, who has strengthened his control over the luxury car manufacturer.
Lawrence Stroll’s Involvement
Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll now holds a powerful position in Aston Martin, controlling 27.67% of the voting rights in the company. His influence began in 2020 when he led a consortium that made a major investment in the struggling brand.
Stroll serves as Executive Chairman of Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC, the parent company of the famous British luxury sports car maker. Under his leadership, Aston Martin has strengthened its connection to Formula 1 racing.
Other major shareholders include Shu Fu Li with 15.22% ownership and the Public Investment Fund with about 15.01%. The remaining shares are divided between institutional investors (around 2.59%) and public companies/retail investors (71.89%).
Stroll’s vision for Aston Martin includes elevating the brand’s luxury positioning and improving its financial performance, which had struggled before his involvement.
Aston Martin in Motorsport
Aston Martin has a rich history in racing that spans decades, from endurance competitions to their current Formula 1 endeavors. The iconic British luxury car manufacturer continues to build their racing legacy while showcasing their engineering prowess on the world stage.
Aston Martin’s F1 Team
Aston Martin returned to Formula 1 racing in 2021, taking over the Racing Point team. This marked their comeback to the sport after a 60-year absence. The luxury British manufacturer transformed the team with their distinctive British racing green livery.
Lawrence Stroll, the current owner of Aston Martin, played a crucial role in bringing the brand back to F1. As both team owner and chairman of Aston Martin, Stroll has ambitious plans to elevate the team’s performance.
The team secured four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel for their return season, pairing him with Lance Stroll. In 2023, they made another significant move by signing two-time world champion Fernando Alonso.
Their Silverstone factory headquarters received major investments to create a state-of-the-art F1 campus. This demonstrates their long-term commitment to competing at the highest level of motorsport.
Aston Martin’s Place in Car Culture
Aston Martin holds a special spot in car culture as a symbol of British luxury and performance. Since 1913, this iconic brand has created some of the most beautiful sports cars in automotive history.
The brand gained worldwide fame through its connection to James Bond films. Many people recognize Aston Martin as 007’s car of choice, starting with the DB5 in “Goldfinger” (1964).
Racing has always been part of Aston Martin’s DNA. The company has competed at prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, helping cement its reputation for high performance.
Aston Martin cars are known for their:
- Elegant styling
- Powerful engines
- Handcrafted interiors
- Exclusivity
Car enthusiasts love Aston Martin for combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Each vehicle represents countless hours of skilled work.
Celebrity owners have helped boost Aston Martin’s status in pop culture. From royalty to rock stars, these gorgeous machines attract those who appreciate fine automobiles.
Car collectors particularly value vintage Aston Martins. Models like the DB4, DB5, and DB6 regularly sell for millions at auctions.
Future of Aston Martin
Aston Martin’s future is taking shape under the leadership of Canadian investor Lawrence Stroll, who currently owns the luxury sports car brand. The company has recently shifted its strategy regarding electrification.
New CEO Adrian Hallmark is steering the iconic British automaker in a direction that balances tradition with innovation. Hallmark has been setting out plans that will shape what’s next for the luxury brand.
Aston Martin appears to be rethinking its electric vehicle timeline. The company has scaled back its EV plans and will now focus on developing just a single electric vehicle by the end of the decade.
Instead of going all-in on EVs, Aston Martin is placing more emphasis on:
- Hybrid powertrains
- Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs)
- Creating more versions of existing models
This strategy aligns with customer preferences, as Chairman Lawrence Stroll remains bullish on internal combustion engines. He’s been listening to customers who still want traditional power in their luxury sports cars.
The company does have access to Mercedes-Benz hybrid and electric drivetrain technology, which will help Aston Martin develop these systems without starting from scratch.
This approach suggests Aston Martin isn’t abandoning its heritage while still preparing for an electrified future.
