Magna Steyr to produce Aston Martin "Rapide"

The Graz firm Magna Steyr will reportedly begin producing luxury auto manufacturer Aston Martin's new coupe "Rapide" at the end of 2009 that will cost more than 200,000 Euros apiece.

Magna has had no comment on media reports to that effect, but Aston Martin was expected to comment on it tomorrow in Geneva in advance of the opening of the auto show there on March 6.

Production runs are expected to be low, totaling only 2,000-to-3,000 cars a year.

The reason for Aston Martin's decision to out-source production to Graz is said to be a lack of capacity at its plant in Gaydon in central England where it is based.

Magna Steyr produced 48,000 fewer cars in 2008 than in 2007.

03.03.2008 16:31:16