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Aston Martin named Luxury Brand of the Year
Aston Martin named Luxury Brand of the Year
Published: Nov 06, 2018
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Neil Allison
Aston Martin has been named ‘Luxury Brand of the Year’ at the Luxury Briefing Awards. Heralded as the ‘Oscars of the Luxury Industry’, the aim of the annual event is to reward and celebrate excellence and innovation.
6 November 2018, London: Aston Martin has been named ‘Luxury Brand of the Year’ at the Luxury Briefing Awards. Heralded as the ‘Oscars of the Luxury Industry’, the aim of the annual event is to reward and celebrate excellence and innovation.
Presenting the award, Sir Eric Peacock described Aston Martin as a “powerful, hugely aspirational brand that is the epitome of luxury” and defied anyone in the room not to covet it. He went on to say the last 12 months have been an “Annus Magnificus” for the brand as it “soared into profit, increasing sales by an astonishing 8% in the first half of the year alone…it has been one of the fastest turnarounds and renaissances the luxury industry has ever seen”.
Aston Martin Lagonda Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, Simon Sproule, was at The Savoy in central London to collect the award. He said: “It’s a great honour to be named Luxury Brand of the Year. At Aston Martin Lagonda we have a fantastic team that lives and breathes this beautiful brand, working to grow and develop our presence across the world. With each car launch, each new brand partnership or lifestyle event, we get closer to our current and future customers. At a time when the automotive industry is facing incredible challenges we are pushing constantly to make sure the Aston Martin brand, and soon the Lagonda brand, not only stands the test of time but flourishes during this period of change.”
Aston Martin are also delighted that the award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Charity’ was made to Aston Martin Cambridge, for the special edition Vanquish S that helped raise £1.5 million for the RAF Benevolent Fund. The raffle for ‘Red 10’, the 10th car from a limited edition run of the ‘Aston Martin Vanquish S Red Arrows edition’ raised an astonishing £1.5 million for the RAF Benevolent Fund, which works to support the men and women of the RAF and their families.
The eminent Luxury Briefing judging panel described the Aston Martin’s Red 10 raffle as “a charitable gesture that was tangible, solid and fun…a highly visible but straightforward and simple initiative that provided an excellent blueprint for other brands to imitate.”
The Vanquish S Red Arrows was pioneered and commissioned by Aston Martin Cambridge, whose Dealer Principal Simon Lane accepted the award, saying: “What started as an idea to pay tribute to the spectacular aviation skills of the Red Arrows, quickly became an opportunity to do some great work for charity. Nine very happy customers now own ‘Red 1’ to ‘Red 9’ and ‘Red 10’ has gone on to raise a significant sum for the RAF Benevolent Fund. The whole team at Aston Martin Cambridge is very proud of this project and delighted to accept this award.”
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Aston Martin Racing partners with PROsport Performance
Aston Martin Racing partners with PROsport Performance
Published: Nov 09, 2018
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Neil Allison
Aston Martin has announced that it will enter in to an important new partnership with the successful German racing team PROsport Performance based near the Nürburgring, close to the home of the British brand’s AMR Performance Centre in Germany.
Friday 9 November, Gaydon: Aston Martin has announced that it will enter in to an important new partnership with the successful German racing team PROsport Performance based near the Nürburgring, close to the home of the British brand’s AMR Performance Centre in Germany.
The agreement, which features the highest level of partner support from Aston Martin Racing, includes a two-car attack on Germany’s leading GT championship – the ADAC GT Masters – in 2019 with the new Aston Martin Vantage GT3. Moreover, one of those two Vantage GT3s will be driven by a pair Aston Martin Racing works drivers.
In addition to this, PROsport Performance, the newly-crowned European 24h GT Series Drivers and Teams champion, will enter two Aston Martin Vantage GT4s in the new ADAC GT4 Germany series. It will also enter two in the GT4 European Series – where the team has collected three championship titles (Drivers PRO/AM and Team in 2016 and Drivers AM in 2013). Some of PROsport’s younger drivers will also be eligible to be part of the AMR Young Driver Academy.
This latest partnership announcement from Aston Martin represents a strong advocation for the new Aston Martin Vantage, of which the GT3 variant underlined its potential on its competitive race debut in the eighth round of the VLN on the Nürburgring Nordschliefe last month, running trouble-free and finishing fourth overall.
PROsport is a highly-decorated motorsport organisation that specialises in GT racing with a record of consistent success that charts all the way back to its formation by team owner and former racer Christoph Esser in 2006. Among its accolades, are five class victories in the Nürburgring 24 Hours and more than 50 class wins in the circuit-based VLN Championship.
Esser said: “Aston Martin has a unique tradition in motorsport. To represent this brand makes us very proud. In close partnership with Aston Martin Racing, PROsport Performance will do its utmost to continue its successful history. The new Vantage has everything it needs to compete against the strongest competition in the GT3 and the GT4.”
President of Aston Martin Racing, David King added: “We are delighted to add PROsport Performance to our race partner team roster with the new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 and GT4 cars. The introduction of our new Vantage comes at a time when Aston Martin is expanding our motorsport and customer racing activities around the world. Adding teams the calibre of PROsport Performance signifies a clear statement of intent not only to demonstrate our capabilities as a leading producer of GT racing cars but as one that competes to win at the highest level.”
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St Athan: Aston Martin Lagonda’s second production facility nears completion
St Athan: Aston Martin Lagonda's second production facility nears completion
Published: Nov 07, 2018
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Neil Allison
With the unveiling of Aston Martin Lagonda’s first SUV scheduled for the last quarter of 2019, work is progressing apace to complete the new St Athan production facility. The site, which started life as a series of Ministry of Defense ‘Super Hangars’, is being completely transformed into a state-of-the-art luxury manufacturing plant. One that will be the British marque’s second production facility and ultimately become the company’s ‘Home of Electrification’ when the marque’s planned BEV models enter production.
07 November 2018, St Athan, Wales: With the unveiling of Aston Martin Lagonda’s first SUV scheduled for the last quarter of 2019, work is progressing apace to complete the new St Athan production facility. The site, which started life as a series of Ministry of Defense ‘Super Hangars’, is being completely transformed into a state-of-the-art luxury manufacturing plant. One that will be the British marque’s second production facility and ultimately become the company’s ‘Home of Electrification’ when the marque’s planned BEV models enter production.
Already home to some 100 employees, St Athan is nearing completion with the Paint Shop fully installed and construction of the production line well underway. Once fully commissioned early in the first quarter of 2019, when production of the next phase of prototype models will commence, the workforce will be boosted to nearer 200. Over 70 Welsh employees are set to join the St Athan team having spent the last two-and-a-half years at Aston Martin Lagonda’s Gaydon Headquarters learning the Aston Martin way.
This core group of experts will train new employees at the St Athan plant. They’re sure to be busy with the workforce steadily increasing during the first half of 2019, then increasing rapidly to more than 700 by the first quarter of 2020 as DBX production ramps-up.
Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group Chief Executive Officer said: “As the St Athan facility nears completion, there is a very real sense this is the start of a bold new era for Aston Martin Lagonda. A second production facility is a critical step in delivering our Second Century Plan. The St Athan facility will initially commence with the production of our first SUV but will ultimately be a global centre of excellence for the production of luxury high performance EVs, including Lagonda: the world’s first luxury electric automotive brand”.
Those interested in seeing the St Athan plant can take a “video tour” of the new production facility for a fascinating behind-closed-doors glimpse of the factory as it enters its final completion phase.
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Q by Aston Martin: ‘DBS 59’ marks legendary 1959 Le Mans win
Q by Aston Martin: 'DBS 59' marks legendary 1959 Le Mans win
Published: Nov 01, 2018
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Neil Allison
One of the greatest moments in Aston Martin Lagonda's (AML) illustrious motorsport history is the inspiration for the latest Q by Aston Martin: Commission; the 'DBS 59'
01 November 2018, Gaydon: One of the greatest moments in Aston Martin Lagonda’s (AML) illustrious motorsport history is the inspiration for the latest Q by Aston Martin: Commission; the 'DBS 59'
Inspired by Aston Martin’s historic 1-2 finish in the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans with its iconic DBR1, Aston Martin Cambridge has commissioned a collection of 24 very special DBS Superleggeras – one for every hour of the legendary endurance race. Called the ‘DBS 59’, each is identified by bespoke design features, hand-crafted interiors and graphic elements drawing directly from the DBR1 and the race it so famously conquered.
A marque synonymous with success in the world’s toughest endurance race – the most recent being a dramatic class win for the V8 Vantage GTE in last year’s race – Aston Martin’s outright victory in the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans is the stuff of motorsport legend. Facing stern opposition from works Ferrari and Porsche entries, plus a team of Ecurie Ecosse Jaguars, the David Brown Racing Aston Martin DBR1s fought valiantly to score a famous 1-2 finish in a masterful display of pace, reliability and teamwork.
Since described by Sir Stirling Moss – who helped Aston Martin win the 1959 World Sportscar Championship – as ‘the most important Aston Martin ever produced’, the DBR1 has deservedly attained iconic status. Just five were built between 1956 and 1959, making it one of the rarest Aston Martins ever, and when one last went to auction (at Monterey in 2017) it set a new world record as the most valuable British-made car ever with a sale price of £17.5m ($22.5m).
Immediately identifiable by its timelessly beautiful Aston Martin Racing Green paintwork, the DBS 59 features extensive use of gloss finish Carbon Fibre, most strikingly on the roof, roof strake and painted bonnet louvres. A classic combination of Obsidian Black and Chestnut Tan leather is used throughout the interior, together with fabric inspired by the DBR1 seat material used to trim the ‘DBS 59’s’ seat backs and door inserts. Bronze detailing is strategically deployed around the exterior and interior, with the front grille surround, ‘Superleggera’ bonnet script, rear Aston Martin script and Q Fender Badge amongst the items painted.
Additional Q by Aston Martin detailing include bespoke Saddle Leather Helmet Pods in the rear compartment to hold special ‘DBS 59’ crash helmets, race suits and gloves, and a bespoke ‘DBS 59’ logo embroidered in the seat headrests. Each of the ‘DBS 59s’ will be identifiable by a small painted white roundel adjacent to the side strakes, with each car numbered from 1-24.
Further accessories include period blue race overalls complete with Aston Martin and ‘DBS 59’ logos; replica string-backed racing gloves modeled on those worn by 1959 Le Mans-winning driver Caroll Shelby; replica 1959 race helmet; bespoke 2-piece luggage set to match interior trim; bespoke car cover in Aston Martin Racing Green and featuring white roundels with specific edition number.
The DBR1’s proud genetic legacy is very much evident in the 2018 DBS Superleggera. The fastest and most powerful series production model in Aston Martin’s multi-award winning range, this 211mph, 715bhp Super GT is an inspired combination of imperious performance and impeccable style. Having received the attention of Q by Aston Martin: Commission it is a truly covetable car; one aimed at those who appreciate the lasting significance of DBR1’s historic victory and world-beating contemporary performance and handling of the DBS Superleggera.
Speaking of the ‘DBS 59’, Aston Martin Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, Simon Sproule said: “When Aston Martin Cambridge expressed a desire to create a limited run of DBS Superleggeras inspired by the DBR1’s famous Le Mans victory we knew it had to be something special. The soft metallic hue of the Aston Martin Racing Green paintwork is classy and timelessly beautiful; the level of thought and detailing is exceptional. My favourite element on the ‘DBS 59’ are the seat backs that feature fabric inspired by the DBR1 seat material, but there are countless touches that will intrigue and delight”.
The ‘DBS 59’ limited edition is the fourth Q by Aston Martin: Commission from Aston Martin Cambridge, following on from the success of last year's Red Arrows Edition Vanquish S, and the earlier success of V12 Vantage S Spitfire 80 Edition, marking 80 years of the Supermarine Spitfire's first flight, and the Vantage S Blades Edition, developed in collaboration with the Blades Aerobatic Display Team.
‘DBS 59s’ 1 through 24 are available to order now from Aston Martin Cambridge. To place your order please contact Simon Lane at simon.lane@jardinemotors.co.uk.
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Aston Martin ‘House of Beautiful’ brand centre opens in Shanghai
Aston Martin ‘House of Beautiful’ brand centre opens in Shanghai
Published: Oct 23, 2018
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Neil Allison
Iconic luxury British sports car manufacturer, Aston Martin Lagonda (AML), today announced the grand opening of its first global brand centre in China.
22 October 2018, Shanghai, China: Iconic luxury British sports car manufacturer, Aston Martin Lagonda (AML), today announced the grand opening of its first global brand centre in China.
Located in Shanghai’s Lujiazui financial district, the ‘House of Beautiful’ brand centre showcases all aspects of the Aston Martin experience, bringing together the company’s products, experiences and brand collaborations.
The impressive facility occupies over 300m2 and includes vehicle displays, space for entertaining and a lounge area for guests to relax. Situated within the MIFA 1862 Art Centre, the House of Beautiful will host design master classes, photography exhibitions and other exclusive events.
The new brand centre is part of the British luxury marque’s £620m trade and investment programme in China. The five-year plan, was announced by Aston Martin President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andy Palmer during a visit to China by a UK business delegation accompanying British Prime Minister Theresa May earlier this year.
Speaking at the opening of the global brand centre in Shanghai, Aston Martin Lagonda’s Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman said: “The House of Beautiful mixes local culture, art, and shopping – delivering a truly luxurious experience.
“The new brand centre is part of an investment plan to strengthen our brand visibility to increase sales performance, which will further improve Aston Martin’s market share in this key market. This reflects our confidence in the Aston Martin brand and the attractiveness of the Chinese market which was our fastest growing region in 2017.”
The interior of the new brand-new 'House of Beautiful' brand centre has been designed by Marek Reichman and his team. Using the best materials and finishes, they have created an environment that enhances the cars on display.
Mr Peng Mingshan, President of Aston Martin China, said, “Shanghai has the perfect mixture of eastern and western culture. The opening of the 'House of Beautiful' is a significant milestone for our planned expansion in China. We will bring more unique brand experience to Chinese clients and fans of Aston Martin.”
Alex Hua Tian, the Chinese equestrian and Aston Martin China's 'Friend of the Brand', also attended the opening of the 'House of Beautiful'. He said: “It was a pleasure to attend the opening of Aston Martin’s first brand centre in China. The House of Beautiful is a truly luxurious destination which I am sure customers and fans will enjoy visiting.”
Aston Martin’s House of Beautiful is located L111, MIFA 1862 Arts Center, No. 1777, Riverside Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai and is open seven days a week from 10am to 10pm.
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