Aston Martin Lagonda has announced that its Aston Martin Test and Development Centre, located at the UK’s Silverstone Circuit will become its new hub for prototype vehicle testing, with a focus on chassis dynamics and high-speed handling.
The new facility forms part of the company’s seven-year Second Century Business Plan, which began in early 2015 with the intention of progressively enhancing every area of business operations. With the addition of the Silverstone site, as well as a new London office space for meetings and events, Aston Martin Lagonda will operate out of 10 locations across the UK and by the end of 2022, with around 5,000 staff. Another major part of the plan is the creation of a second manufacturing facility located at St Athan in Wales, which according to the company is on schedule to begin production of a new SUV model in late 2019.
Aston Martin’s chief of vehicle attribute engineering, Matt Becker said: “Every true performance car company needs a reference circuit and I can think of none more suitable than Silverstone. It is the perfect location to develop the next-generation of Aston Martins.”
Stuart Pringle, managing director of Silverstone added, “Automotive brand centers have always been a big part of Silverstone’s diversification plans and I am delighted to be in a position to announce that Aston Martin have chosen Silverstone as the location to open their new testing and development centre. Our two brands have such a rich British motorsport heritage and I look forward to working closely with the team at Aston Martin to build on our relationship and ensure the partnership helps deliver on key business objectives for both parties.”
