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First Aston Martin DBX rolls off the production line
Just over four years since Aston Martin announced its investment in a brand new manufacturing facility at St Athan, Wales, the first Aston Martin to be ‘made in Wales’ has rolled off the production line.
The Aston Martin DBX is the culmination of an extensive development programme that began with virtual development stretching back to 2015 and physical testing in Wales in 2018. The luxury SUV signals a new era in Aston Martin’s pursuit to deliver exceptional performance, style and usability in a segment previously unexplored by the world-famous manufacturer.
The first Aston Martin to be ‘made in Wales’ has been driven off the production line / Picture: Aston Martin
Powered by a new version of the 4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine found in DB11 and Vantage, the £158,000 DBX can sprint from 0 to 62mph in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 181mph.
Aston Martin Interim Chief Operating Officer, Keith Stanton, said: “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.”
With around 80% of production expected to be exported and sold overseas, it is an important model for Aston Martin and a clear illustration of the strength of British manufacturing capabilities.
Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Executive Vice President & 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.”
Four years since Aston Martin announced its investment at St Athan, DBX deliveries to customers will start later this month / Picture: Aston Martin
Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, added: “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.”
The first deliveries of the DBX to customers are set to commence later this month, as planned.