Aston Martin Rapide to be produced in 2000 examples / year by Magna Steyr, in Graz, Austria. Retails >€200k

[Gustav]

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/b...tin-coupe.aspx

"Magna International Inc. will start making a luxury coupe for Aston Martin called Rapide that retails for more than 200,000 euro, or $300,000, the automaker confirmed Tuesday. It's the first time an Aston vehicle will be made outside Britain. Aston, whose DB5 car is probably the most recognized car featured in James Bond films, said it will tap Magna's Steyr unit in Graz, Austria to build an estimated 2,000 Rapide models a year starting in late 2009. Magna has been hunting for new contracts for the Graz factory to replace a decrease in assembly volumes for the BMW X3 and Saab 93 convertible among other vehicles. Magna's complete vehicle assembly volumes fell 19% to 199,969 units in 2007 from the year before, the company said last week. Complete vehicle assembly sales dropped 8% to US$4-billion for the year. "

Aston Martin Rapide to be produced in 2000 examples / year by Magna Steyr, in Graz, Austria. Retails >€200k Aston Martin’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez, commented: “I am confident that the partnership with Magna Steyr is a sound business proposition to ensure continued future stability and growth for Aston Martin. The dedicated Aston Martin Rapide Plant will have the ability to deliver the highest levels of quality similar to those which currently exist at our Gaydon production facility.” To meet Aston Martin’s stringent requirements work will begin immediately to establish a dedicated Aston Martin production operation within Magna Steyr’s facility in Austria. The design of the Aston Martin Rapide Plant (AMRP) will be based upon the company’s production facility in Gaydon and the Aston Martin Engine Plant (AMEP) in Cologne and will integrate the company’s corporate identity including a travertine marble reception and Aston Martin work-wear for employees.