2006 Aston Martin Db9 on 2040-cars

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Aston Martin opens new factory to build key first SUV

ST ATHAN, Wales — Aston Martin opened a new factory in Wales on Friday to build the British automaker's first sport utility vehicle, key to its hopes of a turnaround after a poor performance this year sent shares tumbling. Aston launched its DBX model last month, hoping that more female buyers will help boost sales after a year in which it has so far posted a pre-tax loss due to weaker-than-expected demand for its sports cars, particularly in Europe. "The opening ... is a hugely important milestone in the companyÂ’s growth plan and integral to our ambitions as a global luxury brand with a presence in all major sectors of the market," said Chief Executive Andy Palmer. The St Athan site near Cardiff in south Wales is the 106-year-old firm's second car plant after its existing site in Gaydon, central England. Aston has seen its share price fall by around 75% since a stock market flotation in October 2018 as the global automotive industry faces the challenge of falling demand in several important markets and the need to spend more electrification. On Thursday, Autocar magazine reported that Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, owner of Formula One team Racing Point, is preparing a bid for a major stake in Aston Martin, prompting its shares to rally. Aston declined to comment on the report.   Featured Gallery 2021 Aston Martin DBX: L.A. 2019 View 40 Photos Plants/Manufacturing Aston Martin SUV

Enterprise adds Aston Martin DB9, Rapide S to rental fleet

It'll cost you at least $100k to put your name on the title of a new Aston Martin, but if you just want one for the day Enterprise will soon be able to hook you up. The car rental company just announced a deal with the British automaker to bring its grand touring to locations across the US as part of its Exotic Car Collection. Enterprise will place the DB9 and Rapide S initially in select markets, including Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, San Francisco, SoCal, Miami, Naples, Orlando, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Las Vegas. So if you're anywhere above the Mason-Dixon line, you'll have to sit tight. While Enterprise has locations in Boston, Indianapolis, Seattle, Toronto, and DC (not to mention Nashville and Austin), those fleets aren't getting their Astons just yet. Enterprise can also hook you up with a variety of other exotic machinery, including an Audi R8, BMW i8, Bentley Continental GT, Chevy Corvette, Ferrari California, Jaguar F-Type, Maserati GranTurismo or Porsche 911. Prices vary, but they're not cheap. Related Video: Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Aston Martin Agreement Offers Exotic Car Collection Renters New High-End Vehicles ST. LOUIS, April 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Ever dreamed of getting behind the wheel of an Aston Martin DB9 or Rapide S? Starting today, Enterprise Rent-A-Car can make that dream come true. The brand has announced an agreement with Aston Martin that brings the DB9 and Rapide S sports cars to the Exotic Car Collection by Enterprise, in select locations throughout the U.S. Through the agreement, Enterprise Holdings, the world's largest car rental company and which owns the Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand, will carry the largest fleet of Aston Martin vehicles available for rent compared to any other car rental company. The Exotic Car Collection was founded in 2006 to meet customer demand for luxury vehicle rentals. Today, there are more than 30 locations in cities throughout the country, and expansion into new markets throughout North America continues at a rapid pace. "We pride ourselves on providing high-end renters with access to some of the most sought-after vehicles on the planet, and our consistent growth continues to reinforce strong demand for these luxury rentals," said Brice Adamson, senior vice president, Enterprise Holdings. "This agreement with Aston Martin is a terrific addition to our Collection.

What's better than a garage with a lift and a kitchen? Not much, UK owners say

Some folks look to change houses because they need more room, or perhaps their current home's basement floods. Others want a “perfect garage” with a hydraulic lift. In the United Kingdom — where priorities may be different from those in the United States — research from eBay indicates that nearly two-thirds of UK motorists (65 percent) would consider moving for the ideal garage, and theyÂ’d be prepared to pay about 5% over asking price to have one. Reporting the results of a survey among 2,000 car enthusiasts, eBay says the lift and custom toolboxes would satisfy the need to makes repairs to the Aston Martin DB5 or the Jaguar E-type (the cars respondents said theyÂ’Â’d most want installed in the garage). Certainly a built-in drain would be a nice touch for washing the vehicles, as well as proper ventilation for those paint touch-ups. A small kitchen in the garage and a jukebox would be lovely, also. Those polled were also asked to make a list of nifty additions to the garage space. Among the suggestions: a snooker table, decorative lighting, a La-Z-Boy recliner, and engine hoists. According to the research, more than 4-in-10 homeowners feel that their current garage stops them from fulfilling their passion for cars. More than half would be more likely to own a classic car if they had a garage to store it in. Said Oliver Bindloss of the Bindloss Dawes Architects firm that worked with eBay on the poll: “Garages are so much more than just a functional space for cars, they must be tough and work hard, but also be enjoyable spaces to relax in. For us as architects, the perfect garage has to start with the cars themselves.” Aston Martin Jaguar Car Buying Ownership Parts and Accessories Classics