First Minister of Wales has welcomed Aston Martin’s
decision to make St Athan its “Home of Electrification”,
describing it as a yet another example of the power of
Welsh Government investment.
The luxury car brand has announced today that its new UK
manufacturing facility at St Athan will become the brand’s centre
for electrification and the home of the Lagonda brand, the
world’s first zero-emission luxury marque.
The Rapide E will be the first Aston Martin to be built in Wales
when production commences in 2019.
It will be Aston Martin’s first all-electric production model and
is set to be a highly-desirable electric vehicle with the levels
of performance expected of an Aston Martin.
First Minister, said “I am very proud of Aston
Martin’s decision to locate its new manufacturing facility in St
Athan. It showed a huge vote of confidence in the
Welsh Government’s can do attitude and in the support that we can
offer to businesses that want to work with us.
“Today’s announcement that St Athan will also be the “Home
of Electrification” for both Aston Martin and Lagonda is another
huge win for Wales. It is a genuine testament to
the reputation, dedication and skills of our work force. It also
further cements Wales’ relationship with Aston Martin and is an
excellent and very tangible example of how Welsh Government
support can act as the catalyst for further economic growth
and job creation.”
Economy Secretary said:
“Our Economic Action Plan is clear about the importance of
decarbonisation to the future of our economy so I am absolutely
delighted that Aston Martin has taken the decision to make St
Athan its centre for electric vehicle production.
“I am confident that this decision, both directly and via the
supply chain will help to drive genuine economic growth and
result in the creation of more highly skilled Welsh jobs.”
Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President and Chief Executive
Officer, said: “Aston Martin sees itself as a future leader in
the development of zero emission technologies, and I am delighted
that St Athan will be our ‘Home of Electrification’ for both the
Aston Martin and Lagonda brands.
“The Rapide E will spearhead development of Aston Martin’s low-
and zero-emission vehicle strategy. With the reintroduction
of the Lagonda brand, this is a demonstration of how
electrification features prominently in our business plan moving
forward.”
