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Manufacturing

Aston Martin shares drop as European sales slump

However sales in the Americas were strong

The new DBX outside the Vale of Glamaorgan facility where the new model will be built(Image: Aston Martin)

Aston Martin has revealed sales have been weaker than expected.

The company, which joined the stock market last year, said economic uncertainty in the º£½ÇÊÓÆµ and Europe was keeping customers from buying its cars, although sales in the Americas were strong.

Investors piled out in response, sending shares down 242.8p, or 23.5 per cent, to 792.2p in early trading.

Bosses at the Warwickshire-headquartered now believe sales through the wholesale division will be between 6,300 to 6,500 vehicles, compared with previous predictions of 7,100 to 7,300.

Profit margin predictions have also been cut, with underlying figures now expected to be 20 per cent instead of 24 per cent and adjusted operating profit margins of just eight per cent versus 13 per cent previously guided.

Spending will also be cut from between £320 million and £340 million to £300 million.

The facility will be operating at full tilt next year(Image: Aston Martin)

Aston Martin's South Wales facility in St Athan is gearing up to go into full production next year and will undergo a large recruitment drive in the next few months.

The luxury car maker will start by making its first SUV, the DBX, at the Vale of Glamorgan factory, but will then add the manufacturing of Rapide E and Lagonda brands to the marque’s output at the site.