NEW ‘MADE IN WALES’ CAR’S A STAR!
First Aston Martin rolls off Welsh production line:
THE first DBX luxury car from Aston Martin to be made in south Wales has been driven off the production line at its factory in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Nearly four years since announcing its investment decision for a factory at a former RAF super-hangar at St Athan, the first of the car-maker’s new sport utility vehicles (SUVs) – with “made in Wales” branding – has been produced.
The vehicles will be delivered to customers globally later this month to schedule.
Around 80% of orders are anticipated to be overseas.
At full production, around 5,000 vehicles per year will be made, with a starting price tag of around £158,000.
The production milestone is a timely boost for the Welsh automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors, with Ineos now expected to abandon a plan to create 500 jobs at an assembly factory in Bridgend for its new 4x4 Grenadier vehicle, and with Ford set to shut its Bridgend plant in September with the loss of 1,700 jobs.
Last week Airbus announced more than 1,400 job losses at its wing-making factory at Broughton in Flintshire.
Aston Martin has also confirmed it is shedding 500 jobs – but with a strong order book, it anticipated that its St Athan operation will not be adversely impacted.
It currently has a workforce of around 600 and is continuing to recruit at St Athan.
Once it reaches full production, the factory will employ around 750, while supporting hundreds of more jobs in the supply chain.
Aston Martin’s chief operating officer Keith Stanton said: “It is a real privilege to be here today to witness the completion of the first production Aston Martin DBX.
“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.”
With around 80% of production expected to be exported and sold overseas, it is an important model for Aston Martin and a clear illustration of the strength of British manufacturing capabilities.
The luxury brand remains wellknown throughout the world, not least through its close association with the 007 movies since Sean Connery’s James Bond first drove a DB5 in Goldfinger – a tradition that has continued right up until 2015’s Spectre when Daniel Craig’s incarnation drove a DB10. And no fewer than four iconic Aston Martin models are set to feature in the forthcoming No Time To Die movie later this year.
Marek Reichman, Aston Martin executive vice-president and chief creative officer, who was at St Athan to witness the completion of the first SUV designed by his team, said: “We are incredibly proud of our first SUV, which is as much of an Aston Martin as any one of our sports cars.
“From my design team to the engineers, the vehicle dynamics team and all the experts who hand-craft this beautiful car here at St Athan, the DBX has become the car that will drive Aston Martin into a bold new era.”
Economy Minister Ken Skates said: “This is a historic moment for Aston Martin and for Wales. It is also a huge win for the Welsh Government’s cando attitude.
“The DBX is an exceptional vehicle from one of the world’s most luxury car brands, and it will be central to this iconic company’s growth plan and ambitions for the future.
“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 worldclass workforce we have right here in Wales.”