Aston Martin Lagonda has opened its new Test and Development Centre at Silverstone racetrack in the UK. The facility will be a hub for vehicle testing focused on chassis dynamics and high-speed handling. Alongside this, the OEM has opened an office in central London that provides space for meetings and events.
Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin president and CEO, said, “The company is investing for growth across the Aston Martin and Lagonda brands. I am particularly pleased that we can now call Silverstone home for dynamic testing and development.”
Stuart Pringle, MD of Silverstone, commented, “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 has chosen Silverstone as the location to open its new testing and development center.
“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.”
Matt Becker, chief engineer – vehicle attribute engineering, Aston Martin Lagonda, 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.”
Since the announcement of the company’s seven-year Second Century Business Plan in early 2015, there has been a progressive retooling of every area of the business. In 2016, the company announced the creation of a second manufacturing facility located at St Athan in Wales, which is on schedule to start production of a new SUV in late 2019.
With the addition of Silverstone and London, Aston Martin Lagonda will operate out of 10 locations across the UK and by the end of 2022 is set to employ 5,000 people.
