Aston Martin gets Silverstone for prototype testing

Electrics will be among Aston Martin Lagonda prototype vehicles tested and developed at its new Silverstone Circuit site in the United Kingdom.

Expansion in the UK also includes a central London office for meetings and events.

The Aston Martin Test and Development Centre at Silverstone will become a new hub for testing chassis dynamics and high-speed handling.

“The company is now investing for growth across the Aston Martin and Lagonda brands,” Aston Martin president and chief executive officer Andy Palmer says. “I am particularly pleased that we can now call Silverstone home for dynamic testing and development.”

Silverstone managing director Stuart Pringle welcomes Aston Martin. “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.”

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 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 5000 people.

“Aston Martin will soon become one of the leading automotive employers in the UK.” Palmer says.

Locations include Chase Point (purchasing, body-in-white assembly),Gaydon (global headquarters, design studio, sports car manufacturing, commercial operations, research and development),London (Dover Street – brand centre, event space), (Soho Square – commercial operations, event space), Milton Keynes (Aston Martin Red Bull Racing joint projects, design studio, commercial operations), Newport Pagnell (Aston Martin Works, continuation series manufacturing), Silverstone (testing and development), St Athan (large platform vehicle manufacturing, research and development), Wellesbourne (Special Vehicle Operations, prototype development), Wolverton Mill (parts distribution).