One of Britain’s most respected luxury car marques has broken new ground after seeing the first of it’s all-new SUVs roll off the production line.
The Aston Martin DBX is also a landmark vehicle in the history of the company as it is the first vehicle produced in the company’s new manufacturing facility at St Athan in Wales, giving it the ‘Made In Wales’ tag.
While Aston Martin may seem late to the SUV party, the company are pinning their hopes on a model which will hopefully pull the company through to a new era of luxury car design.
“It is a real privilege to be here today to witness the completion of the first production Aston Martin DBX,” said the company’s Interim Chief Operating Officer, Keith Stanton.
“I’m extremely proud of the Aston Martin team who have worked so hard to transform this ex-Ministry of Defence site into a world-class car manufacturing facility, to now be producing cars, it is testament to the resilience and fortitude of everyone at Aston Martin. It is an honour to see the first DBX come off the line and my only regret is that everyone who works for this incredible brand can’t be here to witness it.”
The new SUV Aston Martin has been in development since 2015 and the company are hoping to see the DBX account for approximately half of the company’s total sales in the coming years. With more than 2000 orders for the DBX already taken, production for the luxury big-hitter is secured at the Wales site until 2021 at the latest, with output planned for 4000 cars a year.
The launch of the new DBX is a small boost for the motoring industry in Wales, in a week when Ineos hinted that they may seek alternative sites for the build of their new Grenadier.
“I could not be more proud to see this fantastic SUV being made in Wales and rolling off the production line. It also speaks volumes for the dedication and skills of the world class work force we have right here in Wales,” said Ken Skates, Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales.