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International Trade Secretary yesterday (10 July 2020)
visited the Port of Southampton to see Aston Martin’s first
luxury SUV ahead of the cars being shipped to the United States
later this summer
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The UK is a world-leading automotive manufacturer,
employing 166,000 people, worth 8.5% of total manufacturing
output. Cars are the largest UK goods export to the US, worth
£7.5 billion
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A trade deal with the US will aim to reduce
the barriers British car manufacturers
currently face, making it easier for automotive businesses like
Aston Martin to export to the US
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The DBX, handcrafted in Aston Martin’s St Athan
factory in Wales, will be driven on US roads by September
with a "Made in Wales" plaque on its door
Yesterday (10 July 2020) International Trade secretary
visited the Port of Southampton
to see Aston Martin’s first luxury SUV, the DBX, which will be
shipped to the United States later this summer. This comes ahead
of the third round of trade talks with the US expected in late
July.
On her visit, discussed how
the production of innovative British vehicles like the Aston
Martin DBX will play a part in Britain’s economic recovery
from coronavirus, and how a free trade agreement with the US can
benefit the UK’s automotive industry.
With US consumers being major buyers of luxury British cars
like Aston Martins, the UK Government is pushing to reduce the
barriers British car manufacturers currently face and remove the
average tariff of 2.5% on UK car exports to the US.
Hand-crafted in Aston Martin’s new state of the art factory
in St Athan, South Wales employing over 600 people, the first DBX
came off the production line on Thursday 9 July 2020. The cars
are due to arrive at the Port of New Jersey in August, from where
they will be sent to dealerships all over the US.
Aston Martin is set to export 80% of its DBX cars, with the
US being the largest market. The British luxury car manufacturer
has already built a strong order book for the car following its
unveiling last year.
International Trade Secretary said:
“It’s great to see an iconic brand like Aston Martin
showcasing the best of British design and engineering with the
launch of the DBX, while creating jobs and new opportunities in
Wales.
“The UK automotive industry is one of our great success
stories, and we will continue to push for a US trade deal that
removes barriers for British car manufacturers like Aston
Martin.
“More trade with the US will help boost our economic
recovery from coronavirus, and our Automotive Sector Deal will
not only bring growth and investment to Wales, but other
manufacturing hubs in the Midlands, North West and North East,
creating prosperity all over the UK.”
Secretary of State for Wales, , said:
“Aston Martin’s investment to create its luxury DBX
crossover model in South Wales demonstrated a huge vote of
confidence in our economy as well as in the skills and expertise
of our workforce.
“This is a proud moment for the brand, Wales and the
whole of the UK as the first car stamped with a ‘Made in Wales’
badge prepares to set sail for the USA later this month, marking
the start of an exciting new era in our trading relations which
will benefit our economy for years to come.”
Aston Martin was one of the first British car manufacturers
to resume production in May after closures due to coronavirus.
With various social distancing measures in place, staff are fully
equipped with personal protective equipment.
Marek Reichman, Executive VP & Chief
Creative Officer at Aston Martin, said:
“We are immensely
proud of the DBX our first SUV, designed, developed and
manufactured here in the UK by our incredibly talented
team.
“Bringing both the versatility and indulgence
expected of a luxury SUV with sports car levels of dynamic
performance, DBX sets a bold new standard in this
sector.
“At the outset we wanted to make the most
beautiful SUV, that would appeal to consumers around the world
and I believe we have achieved that.”
