UK-based luxury sports carmaker Aston Martin has the US on its radar when it comes to going ahead with its second production unit by this year-end.
Alabama stands as the "obvious choice" for the new plant to make the DBX crossover, though a decision was yet to be finalized, company CEO Andy Palmer told the Automotive News Europe.
The preference for Alabama is contingent upon its proximity with Daimler's plant for Mercedes-Benz SUVs.
Daimler owns 5% in Aston Martin as part of a pact that mandates it to supply high-performance V-8 engines and electronic architectures for the UK carmaker's next generation of sports cars, set to debut next year.
Aston Martin aims to launch the DBX in 2019 in a bid to raise its annual sales to 15,000 from 4,000, as recorded in the previous year.
Though it is practical for the company to utilize its factory in Gaydon, central England, for producing 15,000 cars a year, it was said to put the unit under strain.
"If went to three shifts we would be at 15,000 a year, so theoretically we could do it but you'd have no room for stoppage for maintenance," Palmer added.
Hence, the carmaker is considering another unit to achieve its growth momentum. At the same time, it has not ruled out expansion of its Gaydon plant.
The new unit is expected to manufacture the DBX by using the parts made at Gaydon.
Besides, the automobile manufacturer has shortlisted locations with the potential for selling most of its DBX models. It has also earmarked the US and China for getting principal customers.
However, discounting possibilities for considering the plant in China, the CEO said such an initiative would entail floating a joint venture with a local carmaker. It has also cited difficulty in exporting vehicles from China.
Image: Aston Martin's DBX concept for its car set for 2019 debut. Photo: courtesy of Aston Martin.
