Rides : Nissan, Daimler looking to make cars together in Mexico

Automotive News reports that Nissan and Daimler may team up on a joint-assembly plant in Mexico. The two automakers are currently finalizing plans that could see a facility open by 2014 to produce up to 200,000 vehicles per year for the North American market. If the project gets the green light from both automakers, the endeavor will cost around $1 billion. Nissan, Renault and Daimler entered into an alliance in 2010 to produce engines and vehicles. This move would be the latest fruit of that endeavor. One proposal has Nissan fielding the cost of construction, leaving Daimler to take on a capital stake in operating the facility.

Automotive News reports that Daimler has declined to comment on the project. If realized, the plant would be the first Mexican facility to produce Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles in the country. As of right now, Daimler's plants in the country are responsible for building large trucks and buses.

Rides : Daimler may kill Maybach Brand

Germany’s Daimler is reportedly weeks away from deciding the fate of its struggling Maybach brand. The exact date is set for July 1, when Daimler will decide if Maybach will be pulled over, or will partner with Aston Martin for a second generation.

 

‘There is a higher likelihood to come to a positive decision’ for a second-generation Maybach sedan if a partner is involved, Dieter Zetsche told Automotive News Europe on the sidelines of company event last week.

However, Daimler has entered talks with Aston Martin that would see the British carmaker take on production of future Maybach cars at its Gaydon plant in the UK - where it also produces its DB(X), Vantage and Rapide models.

As part of the deal, Aston would reportedly benefit from the use of Daimler engines and platforms for AM future models - possibly signalling an end to its own in-house engine development.
Moreover, Autocar reports that Aston Martin and Maybach are discussing building a concept car together, possibly for the Frankfurt show in September.

The current Maybach went on sale in the U.S. in 2003. Daimler sold just 63 here last year (fewer than 200 worldwide) and is on pace for 45 this year, according to Autodata.