Ford Premier Automotive Group sportscar maker Aston Martin has announced it is to increase its global dealer network by 20% over the next six months. Currently, Aston Martin has 105 dealers, but that number will increase to 125 worldwide by the end of this year and includes the appointment of new retailers in North America, Japan and in other emerging Asian markets.

Aston Martin has already announced the intention to produce 5,000 cars per annum at its new Gaydon plant by the end of 2005. This growth will be supported by an international retail network of 140 dealers in 32 countries.

Around 30% of Aston Martin’s sportscars are sold in the UK, with similar figures in both North America and Europe. The remaining markets account for around 10%. However with the launch of the DB9 in 2004 followed next year by the V8 Vantage, the smaller Aston, the company is preparing for a different emphasis that will see around 40% of total sales being handled by 40 dealers across North America.

In line with the international dealership expansion Aston Martin, in co-operation with London design company Imagination, is continuing to introduce its new corporate identity with every new dealer appointment as well as developing all existing sites.

The most recent dealerships to receive this new corporate design are Grange of Welwyn in Hertfordshire, and Aston Martin Dallas in Texas, USA, both sole Aston Martin retailers.

The new Aston Martin facility at Gaydon, Warwickshire, officially opened last September and has the capacity to produce 5,000 cars a year. The DB9 Coupe is already in production and will be followed later this year by the DB9 Volante (convertible). In summer 2005 the new V8 Vantage will begin production.