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Aston answers your questions!

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You had questions for Aston Martin, and here's what they had to say in response to the five questions compiled by Wheels24.

QUESTION 1
How does Aston Martin's new ownership impact on the future of the brand in terms of its styling and direction?

As Dr Ulrich Bez will keep the same management structure based on a five years plan we do not expect any influences.

QUESTION 2
We'll assume that you will now have access to the amazing technology found in other Prodrive products. When will the Prodrive engine, suspension and exhaust upgrades be available on Aston Martin products without compromising the manufacturer warranty? And what is the possibility of Aston Martin entering the local racing scene using its Prodrive relation?

As the company Prodrive is not involved in the purchase of Aston Martin - it is David Richards in his personal capacity - there will be no use of Prodrive technology in our model range. The existing co-operation between Prodrive and Aston Racing regarding "Aston Martin Racing" will proceed.

QUESTION 3
Are there any chances of you releasing a smaller car to rival BMW's Z4 and the Audi TT? Could a more powerful Vantage be on its way and when can we expect to see the Rapide? And the possibility of competing against the Porsche Cayenne in the premium SUV segment?

The V8 Vantage is our entry level car. In our 95-year history, it is the first time that we have a range of three model lines with five derivatives.

We have communicated the decision that we will manufacture the Rapide and we expect to see the Rapide by the end of 2009 or beginning of 2010.

As a sportscar manufacturer we will definitely not go for a SUV model.

QUESTION 4
Is it true that South Africa is one of the most successful markets for Aston Martin? When will you be opening the promised Cape Town dealership?

We are very proud and enthusiastic about the success of our dealership in Sandton, South Africa, which was opened one year ago. We are very much looking forward to the inauguration of the new state of the art dealership in Cape Town at the end of the second quarter or beginning of third quarter.

QUESTION 5
How does it feel knowing you produce the most beautiful cars in the world?

We really enjoy the feedback we receive for our actual model range and are also very proud of being voted as "the coolest brand in UK in 2006". The whole Aston Martin Team is happy about the actual development of our company and our promising future.

Our design director Marek Reichman, for example, has only worked for Aston Martin for the past 18 months and in this short period has already completed the design of the V8 Vantage Roadster and developed the DBS, as well as the Rapide. And there is more to come...

  • Please note that our questions to Aston Martin South Africa were forwarded to the brand's public relations division based in the UK.

    Audi is next on our list, so you may start preparing your questions...

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