British luxury sports car maker Aston Martin plans to sell a redesigned version of Toyota Motor's iQ ultra-compact car in Europe, the two companies announced Monday.
Aston Martin, whose cars have been driven by royals and James Bond, said the vehicle, to be called the Cygnet, would be "a new luxury commuter concept."
"Much work is still required, but I am confident that this project could become reality in the not too distant future," Aston Martin chief executive Ulrich Bez said in a statement.
"This concept -- akin to an exclusive tender to a luxury yacht -- will allow us to apply Aston Martin design language, craftsmanship and brand values to a completely new segment of the market."
Toyota, the world's largest automaker, will supply the vehicle to Aston Martin through its Belgium-based subsidiary Toyota Motor Europe NV/SA.
The Japanese maker said it would also introduce a new, sporty version of the four-seater iQ, as well as models aimed at women and young drivers.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2009
