Beijing show: Aston Martin unveils China specials

ASTON MARTIN says China is set to become its third-largest market, helped by the opening 11 new dealerships there this year – and it celebrated the fact at this week’s Beijing motor show by unveiling three ‘year of the dragon’ special editions.

The British sports car brand applied the ‘Dragon 88’ makeover to a DBS Volante convertible, Virage coupe and Vantage S coupe, displaying them at Beijing alongside the highly exclusive One-77 hypercar, a customised Rapide and cutaway model of a DBS.

Customisations were carried out by – and intended to showcase – Aston’s new ‘Q by Aston Martin’ bespoke service, which like its equivalents in the luxury car arena, can personalise vehicles beyond the standard options list – for a price.

2012 is the Chinese year of the dragon, and in recognition, 88 (a lucky number in Chinese culture) of the China-only dragon-themed cars will be produced.

Special Aston Martin badges are finished in 24-carat gold, gold dragons are embroidered into the head restraints and the leather seats are stiched with gold thread, while gold patterns are applied to the top of the centre stack and commemorative plates – engraved in Chinese – are affixed to the sills.

Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez said the special editions “reflect the design flair and technical excellence of the luxurious Aston Martin brand”.

Dr Bez said China is expected to become one of Aston’s most important markets and he “looks forward to sharing the Aston Martin experience with Chinese customers”.

“Our dealership network is growing very quickly. It now includes Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Shenyang and Ordos City, and will soon include Kunming and Tianjin.”