Americans essentially created the SUV market, so it seems fitting that Aston Martin is considering a new U.S. factory for its first production ‘ute.
The British carmaker is in talks with several states about a factory that would be dedicated to production of a crossover based on the recent DBX concept, reports the Financial Times (via Automotive News).
While no specific states were mentioned, the South is most interested in getting the Aston factory, the report says. Southern states are courting the carmaker with promises of land and tax breaks.
The South has grown as a center for car manufacturing over the past couple of decades, as foreign automakers have tried to establish a presence in the U.S. away from the traditional automotive haven of the Midwest and its established unions.
Nissan and Volkswagen have plants in Tennessee, while Kia has a plant in Georgia. Mercedes-Benz and Porsche also have their U.S. headquarters in the Peach State to name a few examples.
Southern states are pushing harder for business after losing some recent bids to Mexico, the report says.
Aston is also considering a former Jaguar factory a bit closer to home in Coventry, England.
The DBX was unveiled in March at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show with all-wheel drive and an electric powertrain. It’s unclear how much of the technology shown on the concept will make it into production, but the styling should make the transition.
Aston hasn’t confirmed an electric powertrain for its first crossover, but CEO Andy Palmer said earlier this month that the company will build an electric version of the Rapide in limited numbers.
The search for a factory s the latest chapter in the long saga of the Aston Martin SUV.
Since the Lagonda concept was first unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, there have been rumors that Aston would join the ranks of high-end SUV-makers.
Aston subsequently decided to use the Lagonda name on an ultra-exclusive sedan, but rumors of an SUV have remained persistent.
When the company first began discussing a partnership with Daimler, there were rumors that its would launch an SUV based on the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
The production DBX will be a lot more car-like than the GL-Class, and will help fuel Aston’s growth.
CEO Palmer aims to boost production from 4,000 units per year to 15,000, with the new crossover accounting for 8,000 sales per year. No wonder Aston needs a new factory.
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