A new generation of Aston Martin model is likely to be built outside Britain for the first time in 93 years.

Media reports suggest there is not enough room at the company’s Gaydon plant to build a new model and it is considering outsourcing the forthcoming Rapide to experienced coachbuilders.
Names being linked with the project include MagnaSteyr, Karmann and Porsche’s Finnish supplier Valmet.

AM has not commented on the story but any decision must be imminent if the Rapide is to go into showrooms late 2009.
At the same time, orders for the existing modes Vantage, DB9 and DBS mean the company is likely to need more workers to raise production above the record 7,000 cars last year.