Luxury-car maker Aston Martin (
www.astonmartin.com) says it is planning a five-year trade and investment drive in China as part of its expansion into the world’s largest automotive market.
The plan, which targets trade worth more than £600 million on the back of its new Vantage and the company’s first ever SUV, follows the company’s earlier announcement of a new dealership in Wuhan; this was made by chief executive Andy Palmer during a visit to China by a UK business delegation accompanying Prime Minister Theresa May.
The announcement also mirrors a similar one made by the company with regard to targeting new customers in Japan (this was also made during a trade visit with the Prime Minister).
Mr Palmer said: “Our impressive 2017 performance in China reflects increasing demand for our new and special vehicles.
“The continued roll-out of our ‘new-model pipeline’, including the company’s first electric vehicle in 2019, will further improve Aston Martin’s share in this key market, alongside investments we are making to strengthen brand visibility and sales performance.
“These investments reflect our confidence in the Aston Martin brand and the attractiveness of the Chinese market, which was our fastest-growing region in 2017.”
Aston Martin has also announced a dealer investment and expansion programme in the Chinese market totalling over £20 million, to include a new city-centre showroom in Beijing.
By the end of 2018, the company will have strengthened its dealer network with 10 new and refurbished locations; these will include showrooms in Wuhan, Tianjin, Nanjing and Ji’nan, taking its total presence across China to more than 20 locations.