Aston Martin – Page 181 – I wish I had more to offer

Andy Palmer plans charitable foundation to fund apprenticeships

Published: Sep 20, 2018

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Neil Allison

Dr Andy Palmer, President and Group Chief Executive of Aston Martin Lagonda, today announced plans to create the Palmer Foundation, a privately-funded programme to create industrial apprenticeship opportunities for young people in the UK.

20 September 2018, Gaydon, UK: Dr Andy Palmer, President and Group Chief Executive of Aston Martin Lagonda, today announced plans to create the Palmer Foundation, a privately-funded programme to create industrial apprenticeship opportunities for young people in the UK.
Andy Palmer, who began his own automotive career as an apprentice, has undertaken to fund the scheme, which will also be supported by existing shareholders, members of the senior management team at Aston Martin Lagonda and Hitomi Palmer, wife of the CEO.
Andy Palmer said: “Young people can struggle to get on the first rung of the career ladder, so we are creating the Palmer Foundation to help get them “on the ladder” and into high quality apprenticeships.
“A person’s background should never preclude them from achieving their potential, and in this case becoming what could turn out to be some of the best engineers of their generation. This is just the beginning for the Palmer Foundation. In time the engineering scholarship will be joined by other areas such as marketing, design and legal careers.”
Working with partners including the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, the Palmer Foundation will provide a pathway for youth development by inspiring young people and providing the tools they need to tap into their natural talents and reach their potential.
The charitable foundation will operate independently of the apprenticeship scheme at Aston Martin Lagonda, which earlier this month welcomed its biggest ever intake of 50 apprentices and 26 graduates.
“Apprenticeships provide a kick-start to a young person’s chosen career,” said Andy Palmer. “They offer relevant experience, specialist guidance and support as the apprentices study for recognised qualifications, whilst building useful industry contacts. Vitally they can also earn while they learn.”
Andy Palmer began his career as a technical apprentice at UK Automotive Products. Taking his first managerial role two years after completing his four-year apprenticeship. He was only 22 years-old but already had six years of experience under his belt. He continued to study as his career progressed and his qualifications now include a Diploma in Industrial Management, a Master’s Degree in Product Engineering, Chartered Engineer status, and a PHD in Engineering Management. He is a Fellow of The Institute of Mechanical Engineers and a Fellow of The Royal Academy of Engineering.
Details of the scheme and its launch schedule are to be announced later in the year.

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Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato and DB4 GT Zagato Continuation announced

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Aston Martin Rapide E details revealed beyond battery tech

Teaser for Aston Martin Rapide E due in 2019
Led by former Nissan Leaf product planner Andy Palmer, Aston Martin plans to launch a new lineup of electric cars under its Lagonda brand.

As a trial balloon, it will launch an electric version of its four-door sports sedan under the Aston Martin brand, the Rapide E.

Now the company has released more details about the car beyond its 800-volt battery pack.

DON'T MISS: Aston Martin may be first with 800-volt charging

The company announced yesterday that the Rapide E will use a 65-kwh battery pack to deliver a range of about 200 miles.

The battery pack will use more than 5,600 cylindrical 18650 cells arranged in a proprietary pack sitting where the gas-powered Rapide's V-12 engine, transmission, and gas tank usually sit.

Two electric motors driving the rear axle will provide 601 horsepower and more than 700 pound-feet of torque.

Aston Martin Rapide E battery development

Aston Martin estimates 0-60 mph acceleration in less than 4 seconds and a 50-70 mph passing acceleration sprint in 1.5 seconds.

The car was engineered to maintain full power through a hot lap of the 12.8-mile Nurburgring test track in Germany, Aston Martin says it can maintain this level of performance on the street in more than short bursts.

Aston Martin is targeting similar handling performance as the gas version of the Rapide with revised spring and shock rates.

CHECK OUT: Aston Martin Lagonda Vision Concept shows electric car future for luxury sedan

As it announced specs for the Rapide E, Aston Martin announced that it will dedicate a new factory in St. Athan, Wales, as its hub for electric-car development and production.

“As our first all-electric production model, Rapide E will fast-track our knowledge and help us ensure the character and high-performance capabilities of our future EV models and enhance the unique qualities found in all Aston Martins as we know them today,” said Aston CEO Palmer. “Rapide E will also serve as a critical step on our path to relaunching Lagonda as the world’s first zero-emission luxury marque.”

The company plans to build just 155 examples of the Rapide E before launching into full electric production with an electric SUV from Lagonda scheduled to arrive in 2021.

Rapide E: Secrets of first all-electric Aston Martin revealed

Published: Sep 12, 2018

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Neil Allison

With development of Aston Martin’s first all-electric production car – the Rapide E – progressing apace, the luxury British marque has today confirmed a raft of technical details for the strictly limited 155-unit special edition.

12 September 2018, Millbrook, England: With development of Aston Martin’s first all-electric production car – the Rapide E – progressing apace, the luxury British marque has today confirmed a raft of technical details for the strictly limited 155-unit special edition.
Working closely with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) as its development partner, Aston Martin has utilised the hugely successful leader in Electric Vehicle (EV) technology to kickstart a new era for Aston Martin’s powertrain technology and overcome the technical challenges associated with packaging the battery system and motors within the space available.
Throughout the development process, the engineering team have focused on achieving effective cooling of the batteries and motor to ensure consistent performance, while strict weight targets have been stringently observed using lightweight alloys and carbon composite materials.
Rapide E will be powered by an 800V battery electrical architecture with 65kWh installed capacity using over 5600 lithium ion 18650 format cylindrical cells. These are mounted in a bespoke battery pack where the original 6.0-litre V12, its gearbox and fuel tank were located. This battery system powers two rear mounted electric motors producing a combined target output of just over 610PS and a colossal 950Nm of torque.
Rapide E’s range target is over 200 miles under the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), while the model is capable of charging at a rate of 1851,2 miles of range per hour using a typical 400V 50kW charger. However, the car’s 800V high-voltage battery system enables faster charging of 3101,2 miles of range per hour, using an 800V outlet delivering 100kW or higher.
Being an Aston Martin, the Rapide E is being developed with a high-performance objective. Projected top speed for the Rapide E is 155mph, with a sub-4.0sec 0-60mph time and a 50-70mph time of just 1.5sec. It’s important to stress that these figures are not restricted to a narrow window only when the batteries are fully-charged. Instead the target is for maximum performance on-demand throughout majority of the battery state of charge window, as would be expected from a conventional internal combustion-engined car. This includes the ability to drive a full lap of the Nürburgring with absolutely no derating of the battery and the ability to cope with the daily demands of repeated hard acceleration and braking.
The car’s exterior and underbody has also been aerodynamically optimised and complemented with newly-designed aerodynamic wheels. Shod with Pirelli P Zero™, Rapide E’s bespoke tyres aim to deliver a lower rolling-resistance and reduced cavity noise, while still delivering superior dynamic capability. Rapide E aims to achieve higher levels of aerodynamic, frictional loss and cooling performance over the standard Rapide S.
It has also been an objective of the project to retain and enhance the feel, character and delivery of the V12-engined Rapide S. To this end, careful attention will be paid to the development and tuning of both the electric powertrain and the chassis, with particular focus applied to software integration. The rear-wheel drive Rapide E’s twin electric motors will drive through a Limited-Slip Differential, which combined with revised spring and damper rates ensures the pure handling characteristics for which the petrol-powered Rapide S is already renowned.

Though the Rapide E will be built in low volumes, it is being subjected to Aston Martin’s stringent and exhaustive testing protocols, with the dedicated WAE team working closely alongside Aston Martin personnel to ensure every aspect of the prototype test programme follows the marque’s established procedures. Uniquely, customers will be an extended part of the ongoing Rapide E programme, with their comments and driving experiences providing an invaluable stream of feedback that will help shape and improve future Aston Martin EVs.
In addition to WAE, the Rapide E programme enjoys the support of other technical partners including Hyperbat Limited – a new joint venture company between Williams Advanced Engineering and Unipart Manufacturing Group – as the battery manufacturer, Integral Powertrain for the electric motors, Xtrac for the transmission and the H1PERBAT project consortium with grant funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre.
Speaking of the Rapide E programme, Andy Palmer, CEO Aston Martin, commented: “Environmental responsibility and sustainability is a global challenge faced by us all. As a career automotive engineer, I’m proud that the car industry is leading the way in finding long-term solutions and reducing harmful emissions. As Aston Martin’s CEO, I take particular satisfaction working with Williams Advanced Engineering and our other associated technology partners to bring Rapide E to reality. As our first all-electric production model, Rapide E will fast-track our knowledge and help us ensure the character and high-performance capabilities of our future EV models and enhance the unique qualities found in all Aston Martins as we know them today. Rapide E will also serve as a critical step on our path to re-launching Lagonda as the world’s first zero-emission luxury marque”.
Rapide E will be built at the upcoming St. Athan production facility, announced as the future ‘Home of Electrification’ for both the Aston Martin and Lagonda brands. Aston Martin is accepting expressions of interest via its global dealership network, with pricing available on application.
Customer deliveries are set for Q4 2019.

1Predicted figure
2WLTP figure

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Aston Martin St Athan confirmed as ‘Home of Electrification’

Published: Sep 10, 2018

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Neil Allison

Aston Martin announced today that its second major UK manufacturing facility will become the brand’s centre for electrification and the production home of the Lagonda brand, the world’s first zero-emission luxury marque.

11 September 2018, Gaydon, UK: Aston Martin announced today that its second major UK manufacturing facility will become the brand’s centre for electrification and the production home of the Lagonda brand, the world’s first zero-emission luxury marque.
St Athan has also been named as the home of Lagonda production. As the world’s first luxury marque exclusively driven by zero emission powertrain technologies, Lagonda heralds the beginning of a new range of luxury vehicles that will commence production in 2021. The ‘Lagonda Vision Concept’, revealed at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show hints at the bold design language that could be seen in future Lagonda products in as little as three years.
Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President and Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “Aston Martin sees itself as a future leader in the development of zero emission technologies, and I am delighted that St Athan will be our ‘Home of Electrification’ for both the Aston Martin and Lagonda brands.
“The Rapide E will spearhead development of Aston Martin’s low- and zero-emission vehicle strategy. With the reintroduction of the Lagonda brand, this is a demonstration of how electrification features prominently in our business plan moving forward.”
International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox MP said: “I’m delighted that Aston Martin has chosen St Athan as its centre for electrification and the home of Lagonda production in a move that will create hundreds of high skilled jobs in the coming years. The UK has world leading expertise in manufacturing and developing low carbon vehicles and this investment is yet another vote of confidence in the our highly competitive automotive industry.
“My international economic department continues to work with investors to create jobs in all parts of the country, maintaining the UK’s position as Europe’s premier investment destination.”
First Minister, Carwyn Jones said “I am very proud of Aston Martin’s decision to locate its new manufacturing facility in St Athan. It shows a huge vote of confidence in the Welsh Government’s can-do attitude and in the package of support that we can offer to businesses that want to work with us.
“Today’s announcement that St Athan will also be the “Home of Electrification” for both Aston Martin and Lagonda is another huge win for Wales. It is a genuine testament to the reputation, dedication and skills of our workforce but also an excellent and very tangible example of how Welsh Government support can act as the catalyst for further economic growth and job creation.”
Aston Martin St Athan is now in the third and final phase of becoming a state-of-the-art vehicle assembly facility, in which production of the company’s first sports utility vehicle (SUV) is due to begin in late 2019. The project includes the conversion of three super hangars on the former Ministry of Defence site. The plant is a demonstration of Aston Martin’s continued commitment to the UK and an additional investment of £50million to make St Athan the home of electrification for the marque shows a clear vision on the future of Aston Martin in the UK. The new plant will bring up to 750 high skilled jobs to South Wales over the coming years, with more than 150 already recruited.

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Aston Martin Works Heritage showroom opens in London’s Mayfair

Published: Sep 06, 2018

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Neil Allison

Aston Martin Works’ new Heritage satellite showroom in the heart of London’s Mayfair is now open for business. Situated with the Aston Martin Brand Experience Centre at No.8 Dover Street, the Works Heritage showroom is a convenient destination for customers interested in acquiring a heritage model or learning about the restoration services available at Astron Martin Works Service in Newport Pagnell.

6 September 2018, Newport Pagnell: Aston Martin Works’ new Heritage satellite showroom in the heart of London’s Mayfair is now open for business. Situated with the Aston Martin Brand Experience Centre at No.8 Dover Street, the Works Heritage showroom is a convenient destination for customers interested in acquiring a heritage model or learning about the restoration services available at Astron Martin Works Service in Newport Pagnell.
Paul Spires, President of Aston Martin Works, said: “The expansion of our Heritage showroom activity into Central London enables us to engage with our customers in the location where they work and live their lifestyle. It also supports the international appeal and invigorated interest in Aston Martin Heritage cars, allowing us to deliver a personal service to customers visiting the UK.”
Aston Martin has seen a growth in the market for heritage cars, highlighted by the sell-out success of the DB4 G.T. Continuation cars and the interest in the just-announced Goldfinger DB5 Continuation cars, which are both produced in Newport Pagnell, at the same factory where the original cars were made.
Aston Martin Works, based at the marque’s famous Newport Pagnell factory, cares for heritage car customers from across the globe and the new Heritage showroom provides a convenient location for its international customers.
The Aston Martin Works Heritage showroom complements the Aston Martin Mayfair dealership that has been a firm fixture on London’s Park Lane for many years, showcasing the full range of current Aston Martin models. The Dover Street showroom allows a pure heritage focus in a Central London location, meaning that the incredible heritage story of Aston Martin Works, the Newport Pagnell factory and the iconic cars built there will now reach a wider audience.

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Biggest ever intake of fresh talent sets to work at Aston Martin

Published: Sep 04, 2018

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Neil Allison

Aston Martin welcomed its biggest ever intake of apprentices and graduates this week, all ready to start work for the world’s fastest-growing auto brand¹. With 50 apprentices and 26 graduates reporting for duty at Aston Martin’s Global Headquarters at Gaydon in Warwickshire, this investment in the future workforce underlines the manufacturer’s focus on remaining a competitive and agile business for many years to come.

4 September 2018, Gaydon, UK: Aston Martin welcomed its biggest ever intake of apprentices and graduates this week, all ready to start work for the world’s fastest-growing auto brand¹. With 50 apprentices and 26 graduates reporting for duty at Aston Martin’s Global Headquarters at Gaydon in Warwickshire, this investment in the future workforce underlines the manufacturer’s focus on remaining a competitive and agile business for many years to come.
Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President and Chief Executive Officer, who started his own career as an apprentice, was at Gaydon to greet the new starters. He said: “It’s a source of great pride for me to welcome our biggest ever intake of apprentices and graduates. It’s important to bring fresh talent into the business and these new starters will play a key role in the continuing success of Aston Martin.”
Since launching its ground-breaking Second Century Plan in 2015, Aston Martin has been on the rise. The company announced record profits earlier this year and has now entered the growth phase of the plan, which will see the luxury carmaker create models in new sectors to sit alongside sports cars such as the DB11, the Vantage and the recently launched DBS Superleggera.
Aston Martin’s four-year Apprenticeship programme provides young people who have a passion for the brand, and a determination to learn, develop and excel in their careers, with the opportunity to learn from some of the best engineers and technicians in the world, across all areas of the business.
The company also has a much-envied Graduate Programme, offering Engineering and Business positions to graduates who can study for relevant professional qualifications while they work.
Opportunities for the 2019 intake of Apprentices will open in December 2018 via the Aston Martin website: https://www.astonmartinlagonda.com/careers/

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