Aston Martin commits to Japanese expansion
SPORTS car manufacturer Aston Martin has rolled out the latest phase of its global expansion with the opening of a new dealership in Japan.
Aston Martin Fukuoka brings to five the size of the dealer network in the country.
The opening is the latest phase of the Gaydon manufacturer’s attempts to grow its global presence and the move follows its announcement last month that it will widen its product offering for markets outside of Europe.
Based on a conditional offer of £6.9m from the Regional Growth Fund, the company is intending to broaden its customer reach in export markets such as China and the Middle East.
Aston Martin CEO, Dr Andy Palmer said: “Expanding our product range to enable a greater reach into export markets is an essential part of our Second Century business plan. Having this support from the Government to help execute the plan is a meaningful vote of confidence in the future of the company.”
The company’s commitment to the Japanese market was reinforced in January with the launch of a new limited company – Aston Martin Japan Ltd.
When it opens in a temporary showroom next month, before moving to luxurious permanent premises later this year, the new Fukuoka facility will join existing dealers in Tokyo (2) together with Osaka, and Nagoya.
Palmer added: “Our recent establishment of the limited company in Japan, along with our investment in people and facilities across the APAC region such as this new showroom in Fukuoka, signals very clearly our determination to make Aston Martin a key player in the high luxury sports car sector in this part of the world.”
When complete in October, the latest showroom will be fully-equipped for new and pre-owned sales and have the ability to display up to seven of the British brand’s sports cars.
The company today has 155 dealers in 45 countries worldwide.
As part of its ongoing programme of product development, expansion and renewal, the company has recently launched two exclusive new models in the shape of the Vantage GT12 and the extreme Aston Martin Vulcan track-only super car.
Meanwhile, at the recent Geneva International Motor Show, it unveiled the DBX Concept – a new concept car designed to illustrate the future direction of the company’s design strategy.
