Now that the deal for Aston Martin has been finalized, the British sports carmaker announced that it is committed to the expansion of the brand. Aston Martin plans to expand production by more than a quarter in the next three years, including the production version of the four-door Rapide concept, which debuted at the Detroit Auto Show in 2006.

Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin CEO, said the Rapide will add another 1,000-2,000 units to its current annual production of 7,000 units. The Aston Martin factory at Gaydon in Oxfordshire will need to be expanded with a new assembly line as well as other improvements.

The Rapide will be the second new model launched under Aston Martin’s new owners. Later this year, Aston Martin will kick off production of the DBS, its successor to the line-topping Vanquish S. The DBS debuted in Casino Royale, the latest Bond film.

The DBS and Rapide will expand Aston Martin’s range to six cars, including the current DB9, DB9 Volante V8 Vantage, and V8 Vantage Roadster.

## Sources: Aston Martin and TimesOnline ##

Posted in: Aston Martin, Concept Cars, Manufacturing, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Future Vehicles
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