News : First Aston Martin DBX rolls off the line in Wales

The first Aston Martin to be ‘Made in Wales’ has been driven off the production line. It’s the final step in an exciting project that commenced in 2015, and is the first car to be built in the Principality since the Gilbern marque closed its doors in 1973. It also comes within days of INEOS Automotive’s annoucement that it no longer looked likely to be building cars in Wales…

The St Athan factory has taken four years to build and is located on the site of the former RAF base of the same name. The DBX joins the growing ranks of top-end SUVs being built by luxury and supercar manufacturers. Aston Martin says the DBX ‘combines both the versatility and indulgence expected of a luxury SUV with sports car levels of dynamic performance, DBX sets a bold new standard in this sector.’

Aston Martin says that it has already received 2000 orders for the DBX, and the St Athan factory has a production capacity of 4000 cars a year. The company’s Interim 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.’

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.’

Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, 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 can-do 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 world class work force we have right here in Wales.’

First deliveries of the DBX to customers start later this month, as planned.

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Keith Adams

Editor and creator AROnline at AROnline

Created www.austin-rover.co.uk in 2001 and built it up to become the world's foremost reference source for all things BMC, Leyland and Rover Group, before renaming it AROnline in 2007.

Is the Editor of the Parkers website and price guide, formerly editor of Classic Car Weekly, and launch editor/creator of Modern Classics magazine. Has contributed to various motoring titles including Octane, Practical Classics, Evo, Honest John, CAR magazine, Autocar, Pistonheads, Diesel Car, Practical Performance Car, Performance French Car, Car Mechanics, Jaguar World Monthly, MG Enthusiast, Modern MINI, Practical Classics, Fifth Gear Website, Radio 4, and the the Motoring Independent...

Likes 'conditionally challenged' motors and taking them on unfeasible adventures all across Europe.

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