Aston Martin is to axe up to a third of its workforce due to a fall in sales, it has been reported. Luxury carmakers have been hit particularly hard by the economic downturn and the decision to cut jobs at Aston comes just days after Rolls Royce announced it was closing its plant temporarily.
Aston said yesterday that it was planning to shed 600 full-time and temporary jobs because it expected to sell 800 less cars this year. The company shifted 7,300 vehicles last year but that figure is likely to fall to around 6,500 for 2008.
Chief executive Dr Ulrich Bez said: ‘Like other premium car brands, Aston Martin has been forced to take action to respond to the unprecedented downturn in the global economy.These are regrettable but necessary measures in the extraordinary market conditions we all now face.’ The company said the job cuts would hit the company's factory in Gaydon.
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