Aston Martin has announced that its first SUV will enter production late next year, following the completion of its new car assembly plant at St Athan, in South Wales.
The company's board of directors recently had their first meeting at the new facility, which includes three converted former-Ministry of Defence hangars. The fitting out of the hangars has already began and it is set to be complete before the SUV starts production in late 2019.
More DBX Production News:
The new plant will create 750 new jobs for the company, with 150 of those already being hired. When complete the plant will join Aston Martin’s Gaydon headquarters and Newport Pagnell as the company's production facilities.
"We are delighted at the progress being made at the St Athan site. The team have done a fantastic job in advancing the facility and I was incredibly proud to chair our first Board meeting at the new plant," said Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President and Chief Executive Officer. "Wales has a long history of engineering excellence and the Board is delighted that it will play such an important part in Aston Martin’s development."
Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport Ken Skates added: "I am delighted to see our partnership with Aston Martin, right in the heart of our Cardiff Airport and St Athan Enterprise Zone, coming to fruition.
"Progress to date continues to match the company’s aspiration for future growth and, when complete, the site will provide highly-skilled employment and world-class apprenticeship opportunities in the automotive sector for many generations to come. I wish them the same success with the next phase."
According to reports, the new SUV from Aston Martin will be called the Varekai, derived from the Roma word for 'wherever', which is appropriate for an off-roader.
The new car will come with a range of powertrain options, including Mercedes-AMG-sourced V8s and V12s, and the hybrid system that will be used in the recently unveiled AMG GT 4-Door Coupe. However, the all electric drivetrain of the 2015 DBX concept appears to have been scrapped.
Gallery: Aston Martin St Athan