Aston Martin’s global dealer network is set to increase by 20% over the next six months to support the serious growth plans the company has always maintained for its future.

Currently, Aston Martin has 105 dealers that will increase to 125 worldwide by the end of this year and includes the appointment of new dealers in North America, Japan and in other emerging Asian markets.

Aston Martin has already announced the intention to produce 5000 cars per annum at its new Gaydon Headquarters 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 Martin, 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 objective of the programme is to create a consistent customer experience which complements and enhances the premium nature of our cars whether in London, Paris, New York or Tokyo," said Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin.

The most recent dealerships to receive this new corporate design are Grange of Welwyn in Hertfordshire, England, and Aston Martin Dallas in Texas, USA, which both retail solely Aston Martins. The Grange of Welwyn dealership entailed the complete renovation of an existing timber framed building and has an elegant open plan layout including split level gallery space, marble floors and clubroom lounge areas for customers. Aston Martin Dallas is a state of the art dealership which incorporates a four car showroom, full service centre, customer lounges and a private access card club lounge for customers to meet.

"Aston Martin is undertaking the biggest change in its 90-year history with a new headquarters, a new production facility and a new model range," added Dr Ulrich Bez. "If we are to increase our visibility and provide the levels of customer care which our owners deserve it is essential that we increase our worldwide representation and incorporate this Retail Design Programme."

The new Aston Martin facility at Gaydon, Warwickshire, officially opened last September and has the capacity to produce 5000 cars a year. The DB9 Coupe is already in production and will be followed later this year by the DB9 Volante (convertible). In mid-2005 the new V8 Vantage will begin production.