Merc, McLaren part ways

Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will end its partnership with McLaren when their current contract expires next year.

The two manufacturers cooperated on the development of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren roadster and were reported to be working on a new flagship roadster called the SLC.

"The partnership ends in 2009 and it will not be renewed," a Mercedes spokesman told Automotive News.

Instead, the SLR replacement due in 2010 is likely to be built by Mercedes-Benz's in-house AMG performance unit.

It is not clear how the latest developments will impact the manufacturers' current Formula One agreement.