On to the 200th Anniversary

──First, could you tell us about your role?

I oversee all commercial activities worldwide. My job is to manage car sales, customer service, dealer operations, various aspects related to new car launches, and assisting customers in enjoying their Aston Martin cars.

──How does Japan rank as a market globally?

It's a very important place. It's a market where we want to expand our efforts even more. There are many car enthusiasts here, and they have a deep understanding of cars. It's also a country where Aston Martin is cherished. Therefore, we want more people to know about us.

This year, in particular, Aston Martin is celebrating its 100th anniversary with the launch of three new models. These three models – the DB9, Vanquish, and Rapide S – are sure to be highly appreciated in Japan, making our public relations activities here crucial. We aim to generate buzz through events and news, and to share Aston Martin's story with everyone in Japan.



──For example, what kind of plans do you have in mind?

There are some secrets, of course... but perhaps before I discuss specific plans, it might be better to deviate slightly from a direct answer to your question.──

Introducing three new models in this commemorative 100th anniversary year is intended to appeal to those who have never experienced Aston Martin before, or those who have been away from the brand for a while.

Not many brands reach their 100th anniversary. It's exciting for us too. The 100th anniversary isn't just about looking back at the past century.

We also need to prepare for the next 100 years. The 200th anniversary awaits. We must ensure that the wonderful brand of Aston Martin endures. Therefore, this 100th anniversary is significant for Aston Martin's past, present, and future.

1,000 Aston Martins Gather in London

Speaking of events, we will be participating in races again this year, such as the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Aston Martin is also strong in the world of racing.

This year, a record five Aston Martins will compete at Le Mans. We hope you will look forward to it. Aston Martin cars are well-balanced, incredibly fast, and adapt easily to both public roads and circuits. Our race cars can be driven just like our road cars. This is something we are proud of. Winning races would make us even prouder.

Another major event we can announce is that 1,000 Aston Martins from around the world will gather in London in July. We expect many cars to drive there from Japan, the US, and Europe.

We also plan to host the traditional hill climb competition, and of course, we will hold numerous smaller events. Several are planned in Japan as well, so please look forward to them.

However, more important than these races, news, and events are the cars themselves.

A Beautiful Car Needs No Facelift

This is because it's impossible to make an already beautiful car more beautiful. Minor car updates are called facelifts, but you wouldn't need to give a facelift to an already beautiful woman, would you? It's the same principle. This time, we've incorporated new technology: improvements to the suspension and engine, enhanced environmental and safety performance, and upgrades to driving dynamics to maintain its status as a world-class sports car. This new DB9 is the first activity for our 100th anniversary.

The Vanquish: A Dream Supercar

Next is the exciting Vanquish. The first-generation Vanquish, launched 10 years ago, received global acclaim, particularly in Japan.

The current Vanquish is the ultimate car. It's a dream car for those who seek the best. It's luxurious, offers commensurate value, and is high-tech. It features a carbon fiber body, a new engine, a new interior, new technology, and a maximum output of 570 ps.──The Vanquish is the ultimate Aston Martin. While the DB9 is classic and beautiful, the Vanquish is avant-garde, or perhaps extravagant. But it is beautiful, isn't it?

The Rapide Enters its Second Generation

And then, just announced at the recentGeneva Motor Showis the newRapide S. This is the second generation of the Rapide. It's a large four-door car with a new design that exudes confidence. At the same time, a new engine with a maximum output of 550 ps delivers superb performance, and it's equipped with an electronic control suspension offering three selectable settings.

However, simply talking about technology doesn't make it an Aston Martin.

Craftsmanship is Aston Martin's Pride

Aston Martin is a brand with a tradition of handcraftsmanship, producing cars born from artisanal skill. To prove this, we are currently building a special edition of 400 units to commemorate our 100th anniversary: 100 units each of the DB9, Vanquish, Rapide S, and Vantage.

These centenary editions feature a two-tone paint job. However, instead of a distinct line between the two colors, the hue transitions gradually. This is a difficult and time-consuming painting process. Additionally, there are gleaming silver badges with a special translucent enamel finish. Normally, badges are flat metal, but here, a partially transparent enamel is applied, and when you look at the badge through this transparent surface, it is truly beautiful. This is the result of masterful craftsmanship.



Furthermore, at the end of the year, my boss, Ulrich Bez, will unveil two concept cars called 'CC100'.

We want to continue doing things like this in the future. We want to challenge ourselves with new endeavors, not just improve what already exists.



──Speaking of the future, environmental considerations are increasingly unavoidable for cars today. What is Aston Martin's vision regarding the environment?

Environmental regulations are becoming increasingly stringent, so we must improve the environmental performance of our cars. Our customers also desire Aston Martins with higher environmental performance coupled with high performance.

Indeed, enhancing both environmental and driving performance is not a simple task.



However, we have a roadmap for technologies that will enhance both environmental and dynamic performance over the next few years. This is something we must do, and it's something we believe is possible, so we promise to deliver.

The Identity of Aston Martin

──This may be repetitive, but finally, could you tell us again what Aston Martin's identity is today?

Aston Martin is Power, Beauty, and Soul.

Power, of course, refers to a powerful engine. But it's more than that. It's about powerful decisions. Being powerful in an intellectual sense, such as making decisions about the direction of car development. For example, placing the engine at the front and the gearbox at the rear to maintain an ideal 50:50 weight balance for ease of driving, or employing bold lightweighting technology in the Vanquish. Being powerful in performance and intelligence is the first identity of Aston Martin.

Beauty is simple. Our cars must always be the most beautiful GT sports cars in the world. If we compromise on Aston Martin's beauty, then Aston Martin is finished. Beauty is that important.



These three elements are the identity of Aston Martin.

If you need the ultimate road car, choose the Vanquish. If you prefer a more practical Aston Martin, choose the Rapide S. Aston Martin offers a variety of models, so please select the one that suits your lifestyle. Every Aston Martin possesses the Power, Beauty, and Soul I've described.

──I had the opportunity to drive the DB9 recently and experienced how practical, comfortable, and incredibly easy to drive it is, allowing for relaxation while simultaneously stirring the heart. It's a frank, personal impression, but I thought, 'This is what a car should be. I want to live with this car.'

I'm glad to hear that. That is precisely our aim, the design philosophy of Aston Martin. We are realizing a connection between the creative driver and the car.

Recently, we've put considerable effort into the steering. Compared to most other cars, Aston Martin's handling is more precise, intuitive, and provides a stronger sense of connection to the driving experience. This is where our technology shines.

Furthermore, Aston Martin possesses a classic automotive character. The V12 engine remains the ultimate engine. In terms of sound, torque, and power delivery, no engine surpasses a naturally aspirated V12. We will continue to build V12s for as long as possible. And being a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive car with an ideal 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution – there is no doubt that this drivetrain and balance offer the most satisfying driving experience.

──Thank you for your time today.