Aston Martin to move production of the Rapide from Austria to the U.K. in 2012

[ahmed_7erzon]

Aston Martin will be terminating the agreement with Magna Stey, the company who builds the Rapide, in the second half of 2012 and transferring production of the sedan from Austria to its Gaydon headquarters in the U.K.

Photo: Aston Martin

In 2008 the automaker decided to outsource the manufacturing of the model following feasibility studies. At the time, CEO Dr Ulrich Bez said he wasn’t prepared to assemble the Rapide in Gaydon, believing it would compromise the assembly of the other models.

But it’s now possible to build the Rapide in Gaydon, as Aston Martin’s plant is more flexible and efficient than ever. Eight models and five variants are currently assembled there, compared to three models and two variants in 2008.

“I would like to place on record our gratitude to Magna Steyr and their team of dedicated employees who have become part of the Aston Martin family in the last few years and met all our requirements and expectations,” said Dr Bez in a press release.