Aston stays loyal to home market

Aston Martin has pledged that its 18 UK dealers and their customers will not lose out as it pushes for higher sales in the US. Dealers here are quoting 18 months to two years on the DB9 coupe, and high demand is expected for the convertible Volante derivative launched in the UK at the Birmingham motor show.

Peter Watson, Aston Martin public affairs director, says: “We have a great opportunity to grow in the US which takes 30% of our production – as does the UK, and also the rest of Europe. The other 10% go to the rest of the world.

“Next year we want to raise production to 5,000 and increase sales in America to 40%. “We believe that is possible because it is a great sports car market but that will not be at expense of the UK.”

Aston Martin continues to build the Vanquish at Newport Pagnell but the DB9 and all future models will be produced at Gaydon, Warwickshire.