Aston Martin has moved into China for the first time in the company’s 94-year history.
In a bid to cash in on the booming economy the company has awarded a franchise to GruppeM, led by CEO Kenny Chen, who has previous 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 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.
The market for luxury goods in China was said to be worth $6bn in 2004, and has developed rapidly since.
However Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin’s Chief Executive Officer, said 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 partner who not only understood Aston Martin’s brand values but also the luxury market.
‘We are confident that GruppeM have the expertise and knowledge to help us develop Aston Martin in China.’
The 007 movie Casino Royale, featuring an Aston DBS, was the first James Bond film to be released throughout China.
Aston hopes to attract young, aspirational Chinese who will recognise the brand.