Aston Martin Arrives In China

The expansion of Aston Martin’s global dealership network is all set to continue with a move into China for the first time in the company’s 94-year history. The Aston Martin franchise has been awarded to GruppeM, led by CEO Kenny Chen, who has unparalleled experience of the luxury sports car market in China.

The first new showroom will be in Shanghai’s Xin Tian Di District, with an area designed to accommodate five cars. The Shanghai Aston Martin Retail Centre will be the country’s flagship dealer space. There will also be an exclusive Aston Martin service facility located close to Hongqiao airport.

In Beijing, a showroom for three cars will be located in the city’s Central Business District, a fast-expanding area that contains some dramatic new architecture. The showroom will be accompanied by the Aston Martin Beijing Service Facility, located at the city’s Goldenport race circuit.

The market for luxury goods in China was worth $6bn in 2004, and has developed rapidly since. However, Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin’s Chief Executive Officer, explained that it was important to wait until the right partner was found. “Aston Martin has been carefully monitoring the growth of the luxury sports car market in China,” he said, “but it was vital that we found the right partne