Aston Martin and Letv team up for electric cars

After expanding into a wide range of technology sectors, Letv, the Chinese video giant, is now preparing to set foot in autonomous electric cars.Aston Martin and Letv have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on a research partnership for the development of connected electric vehicles.The partnership sees the two companies working together on research projects ranging from connected car technologies through to manufacturing consultation on new electric vehicles.These technologies could feature in the future Rapid E, the first all-electric Aston Martin, which will be manufactured at the company's UK headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire.Andy Palmer, CEO of Aston Martin said, "We see the connected vehicles as a vital part of our future product portfolio and welcome Letv as a research partners in this exciting venture. Both the Chinese and British Governments have taken meaningful steps to encourage the widespread adoption of zero emission technologies, and we look forward to utilising our expertise not only for our RapidE cars, but also in providing manufacturing assistance through our consulting capability, to Letv."The RapidE will draw on advanced technology solutions from global suppliers including those based in the UK and China.Yueting Jia, board chairman and CEO of Le Holdings said, "As the world's first IT company that announced a car manufacturing project, Letv has now entered a research partnership with Aston Martin. It is a win-win venture which symbolises the deepening collaboration and reformation between IT and automobile industries."