The Aston Martin DBX SUV, which will be built in St Athan near Cardiff, made a surprise visit to No.10 Downing Street in an early celebration of St David’s Day.
Aston Martin Lagonda’s investment in a second UK manufacturing facility, which was announced in early 2016, will create over 700 new skilled jobs in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Over the past two years the former Ministry of Defence site at St Athan has been transformed into a state-of-the-art car production plant.
While the DBX waited outside No. 10, Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andy Palmer attended a reception hosted by Prime Minister Theresa May, and attended by the Secretary of State for Wales, Alan Cairns.
Palmer said, “Prototype models of the DBX have embarked on an extensive testing programme, which has seen the car being put through its paces in various environments, including a demanding Welsh Rally stage. I’m delighted that this model was able to take time out of its busy schedule to be involved in the celebration of Wales Week in London.”
Prime Minister Theresa May said, “As we celebrate all that is great about Wales, it’s fantastic to have the first DBX model, that will be built at Aston Martin’s new Welsh base, parked pride of place on Downing Street to mark St David’s Day.
“Bringing 700 jobs and investment to the region and providing a new home for Aston Martin’s cutting-edge electric technology, the St Athan plant will ensure that the UK remains a world leader in the future of transport.”
The Aston Martin DBX will go into full production at St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan in 2020 after it is unveiled later this year and the new plant has been designated the luxury car maker’s centre of excellence for electric vehicles with a new range being assembled there.
