Aston Martin Lagonda is one of Britain’s most iconic and prestigious car manufacturers, renowned for its elegant, high-performance sports cars and luxury grand tourers. Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, Aston Martin has become a symbol of British craftsmanship and style, and is closely associated with James Bond, cementing its reputation as a car brand synonymous with sophistication and adventure.
Ownership and Revenue
Aston Martin is currently a publicly traded company, but Lawrence Stroll, a Canadian billionaire and Formula 1 team owner, is one of its major stakeholders after leading a rescue investment in 2020. The company also has strong ties with Mercedes-Benz, due to the technical partnership.
As of 2023, Aston Martin reported revenues of approximately £1.4 billion, showing its recovery and growth. Despite stiff competition, Aston Martin continues to rank among the top luxury car manufacturers worldwide, competing with brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren.
Interesting Facts About Aston Martin
- James Bond Connection: Aston Martin is famous for its connection with James Bond. The DB5 made its first appearance in the 1964 film “Goldfinger” and has since become an iconic part of the Bond franchise. Aston Martin has been featured in multiple Bond films, enhancing its image as a car brand for action and luxury.
- Bankruptcy and Revivals: Aston Martin has faced financial struggles throughout its history. The company has gone bankrupt seven times, but each time it has managed to bounce back. Its most recent revival came after an IPO in 2018, which raised capital to expand production and innovation.
- Handcrafted Excellence: Each Aston Martin car is handcrafted, with an emphasis on bespoke design. Every vehicle takes around 200 hours to complete, with much of the work done by skilled artisans who focus on every detail of the car’s exterior and interior.
- Partnership with Mercedes-AMG: In recent years, Aston Martin entered into a technical partnership with Mercedes-AMG, gaining access to Mercedes’ advanced engines and infotainment systems. This partnership has allowed Aston Martin to innovate further while maintaining its distinct British character.
- DBX – Aston Martin’s First SUV: The introduction of the DBX in 2020 marked Aston Martin’s foray into the booming luxury SUV market. The DBX became a hit, contributing significantly to the company’s sales and attracting a new demographic of buyers.
- New Formula 1 Team: Aston Martin returned to Formula 1 in 2021 with its own racing team, Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team. This marked a significant step in the brand’s re-entry into high-level motorsport, reigniting its racing heritage.
- James Bond DB5 Destruction: In 1995, during the filming of “GoldenEye”, a stunt with an Aston Martin DB5 went wrong, resulting in the destruction of a classic model. Although it was a controlled crash for the movie, the loss of an original 1965 DB5 was lamented by car enthusiasts.
- James Bond Car Theft: One of the original James Bond DB5 cars, used in promotional events for “Goldfinger”, was stolen from a private owner’s garage in 1997. Despite a global search and high-profile investigation, the car has never been recovered, leading to numerous conspiracy theories.
- Aston Martin Valkyrie: The Aston Martin Valkyrie is one of the most ambitious projects by the brand. A collaboration with Red Bull Racing, it’s a hypercar that is intended to push the boundaries of what is possible with road-legal cars. It boasts a V12 engine and cutting-edge aerodynamics.
- Limited Editions: Aston Martin frequently releases limited-edition models with collaborations and special features. For example, the Aston Martin V12 Speedster is limited to just 88 units, making it one of the rarest models from the brand.
- The Lagonda Sub-Brand: Aston Martin also owns the Lagonda brand, which focuses on producing futuristic, all-electric luxury cars. The Lagonda sub-brand is Aston Martin’s response to the increasing demand for eco-friendly vehicles without compromising luxury.