Sixth Mainland China Dealership For British Automaker#
Now operating six dealerships in mainland China, the British luxury automaker Aston Martin recently projected that China will become its third-largest market, trailing only the U.S. and U.K., within only a few short years. Following a strong showing at last year’s Auto Shanghai, at which the limited-edition, 47 million yuan (US$7.2 million) One-77 sold out before the show even commenced, Aston Martin announced that a more intensive expansion effort in China in 2012.
This week, reflecting the automaker's desire to catch up to ultra-luxury competitors like Rolls-Royce and Bentley -- both of which have made huge strides in China in the past few years -- Aston Martin unveiled its largest showroom in China, and its second in Shanghai, in the city's Pudong district.
Glass-clad and ultra-modern, Aston Martin's new Pudong dealership currently displays 18 vehicles, and includes a café and lounge, merchandise and sales areas, a fully equipped garage, and audio/visual displays by brands such as Jaeger-LeCoultre and Bang & Olufsen.
At the dealership's grand opening, Aston Martin Asia Pacific Regional Director, Matthew Bennett said, "We are excited with our brand's ongoing development and performance in China. This wonderful new dealership sets the benchmark for premium luxury car showrooms across Asia, as well as the experience that each and every visitor should expect."
Bennett added that Aston Martin sold 190 vehicles in China last year, double its sales in 2010, and plans to accelerate its expansion plan in the next 12 months, with new showrooms slated for Chongqing, Shenyang and Ordos.
