Aston Martin Scoops Up Former Ferrari And Engine Head To Run EV Division

Aston Martin has recruited former Ferrari and Maserati engine head Joerg Ross as its new chief engineer for powertrains.

Ross will lead development of Aston Martin’s engines, gearboxes and electrification, bringing with him 25 years of engineering experience - 16 of which were in top-ranking positions in Italy, including at Ferrari’s Formula One team.

He has also spent time at at Ford and engineering firm FEV earlier in his career. Ross is leaving his role as Maserati’s head of advanced powertrains, which he has held since 2014, to join Aston Martin.

MDarringer - 8/2/2017 8:09:14 AM

-3 Boost

Because FCA was so ahead of the game on EVs...

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 8/2/2017 9:50:40 AM

+4 Boost

Likely for his F1 experience and deep knowledge of the KERS system used in Ferrari race cars.

MDarringer - 8/3/2017 9:08:33 AM

0 Boost

Mercedes for all intents and purposes "owns" Aston, so this move was less than necessary.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 8/3/2017 3:46:07 PM

+1 Boost

MD- I would disagree. They have a 5% equity stake and Aston Martin is a parts customer much like Pagani. They just buy a bit more then just engines. To your point there needed to be a reason to have this person brought on board. Perhaps MB BEV tech is not for sale.

MDarringer - 8/3/2017 4:11:31 PM

+1 Boost

The link between Mercedes and Aston Martin is far beyond parts bin usage by the latter of the former. With Aston so intertwined with Mercedes on parts and structures, the latter effectively controls the former. If things don't go Mercedes' way they can create issues with the parts and Aston would not have the resources to retool.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 8/3/2017 4:34:41 PM

+1 Boost

MD- It is a technical partnership and a very important at that, but What structures are you referring to? The new Aston platform is all theirs and all new vehicles will spring from it. The now own the factory that makes the Bi-Turbo V12 too. The new LCD dash screen, V8 engine, wiring looms, controller knob thing are from MB. No Mercedes Benz physical platforms were used in the production of a DB11 that I know of. It is not an AMG GT under the skin. If they reskin a GL550 and call it a Lagonda that is a different story entirely.

MDarringer - 8/3/2017 7:27:51 PM

+1 Boost

When you have a partnership between unequal parties, the stronger party usually calls the shots. As for it not being an AMGGT under the skin, that would be idiotic given that Aston was designing a platform newer than the AMGGT. Mercedes has described it as a close partnership, so it would not surprise me to see the Aston platform used by a Meecedes AMG thing and for the coming Aston crossover to be a Mercedes.

skytop - 8/2/2017 7:53:24 PM

+1 Boost

With Europe outlawing gas powered vehicle in 20 years, it is questionable what Aston will do with a gas engine person at this time. Aston needs to direct its attentions to electric performance and endurance as the industry transforms itself.