Aston Martin’s global dealer network is set to increase by 20% over the next
six months to support the serious growth plans the company has always maintained
for its future.
Currently, Aston Martin has 105 dealers that will increase to 125 worldwide by
the end of this year and includes the appointment of new dealers in North
America, Japan and in other emerging Asian markets.
Aston Martin has already announced the intention to produce 5000 cars per annum
at its new Gaydon Headquarters by the end of 2005. This growth will be supported
by an international retail network of 140 dealers in 32 countries.
Around 30% of Aston Martin’s sportscars are sold in the UK, with similar figures
in both North America and Europe. The remaining markets account for around 10%.
However with the launch of the DB9 in 2004 followed next year by the V8 Vantage,
the smaller Aston Martin, the company is preparing for a different emphasis that
will see around 40% of total sales being handled by 40 dealers across North
America.
In line with the international dealership expansion Aston Martin, in
co-operation with London design company Imagination, is continuing to introduce
its new Corporate Identity with every new dealer appointment as well as
developing all existing sites.
"The objective of the programme is to create a consistent customer experience
which complements and enhances the premium nature of our cars whether in London,
Paris, New York or Tokyo," said Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin.
The most recent dealerships to receive this new corporate design are Grange of
Welwyn in Hertfordshire, England, and Aston Martin Dallas in Texas, USA, who
both retail solely Aston Martins. The Grange of Welwyn dealership entailed the
complete renovation of an existing timber framed building and has an elegant
open plan layout including split level gallery space, marble floors and clubroom
lounge areas for customers. Aston Martin Dallas is a state of the art dealership
which incorporates a four car showroom, full service centre, customer lounges
and a private access card club lounge for customers to meet.
"Aston Martin is undertaking the biggest change in its 90-year history with a
new headquarters, a new production facility and a new model range," added Dr
Ulrich Bez. "If we are to increase our visibility and provide the levels of
customer care which our owners deserve it is essential that we increase our
worldwide representation and incorporate this Retail Design Programme."
The new Aston Martin facility at Gaydon, Warwickshire, officially opened last
September and has the capacity to produce 5000 cars a year. The DB9 Coupe is
already in production and will be followed later this year by the DB9 Volante
(convertible). In summer 2005 the new V8 Vantage will begin production.
