An Intelligent City Commuter

"The Cygnet is a collaborative model between Aston Martin, a world leader in luxury and niche technology, and Toyota, a world leader in quality and reliability. Although the two companies are vastly different in scale, they share a belief built on exceptional technological prowess and innovation, supported by a strong passion for automobiles," reads an Aston Martin press release.

An "intelligent city commuter" appears to be Aston Martin's positioning for the Cygnet. "While there is still much work to be done, I am confident that this project will come to fruition in the not-too-distant future. This concept is akin to an exclusive proposal, much like when crafting a luxury yacht. It will allow us to introduce Aston Martin's design, craftsmanship, and brand value into an entirely new segment," stated CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez.

An Ultra-Compact, Ultra-Luxury Car

Currently, only one image of a clay model in production has been released, and the company's public relations department has stated they do not have details regarding the Cygnet's specifications, such as its engine, suspension, or interior. However, the distinctive Aston Martin grille and headlamps, recognizable to anyone, build great anticipation.

Aston Martin is progressing towards becoming a full-line manufacturer, beginning with the recently released new model, the DBS Volante, followed by the four-door sedan Lagonda Rapide, and the limited "ultra" high-performance model, the I-77. The needs of rapidly growing markets such as India and China are likely influencing this direction. An ultra-compact, ultra-luxury car – wouldn't many car enthusiasts, not only in Japan but also in Western countries, want to drive something like this?

Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin.

BRAND HISTORY
Currently garnering global attention as the coolest sports car brand, Aston Martin of the UK holds a storied legacy. Founded in 1914 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, this small company adopted the Aston Martin name after achieving success in a hill climb competition known as Aston Clinton. Since then, it has left a brilliant mark on the history of motorsport and sports cars.

Conversely, the company has faced numerous financial crises, each time receiving a helping hand, charting a truly tumultuous course. For instance, David Brown, who became owner in 1947, left his mark with sports cars bearing his initials, such as the "DB2," and the racing machine "DBR1," leveraging his excellent management skills and engineering acumen. More recently, Ford's sale of its shares to an investment group led by David Richards, founder of Prodrive, is still fresh in memory.

However, Aston Martin has consistently pursued the creation of sports cars imbued with potent power and exquisite style throughout its history. The current lineup includes the "V8 Vantage" and "DB9." Furthermore, the "DBS," a new flagship model set to succeed the "Vanquish," is expected to make its debut in Japan soon.