Image: Could the sun be going down on Aston Martin in the US?

The British luxury car maker Aston Martin is under threat of closure in the USA as new safety regulations will take the DB9 and Vantage off the road.

Famous for its Bond cars and prestige vehicles, Aston Martin is struggling to adapt to the new laws being implemented in the USA next month. A new crash test designed to improve safety for passengers from side-on collisions will disqualify the DB9 and Vantage from sale. Aston Martin have applied for an exemption for its two marquee models in an attempt to create more time to adjust to the new safety measures.

The new crash test is designed to see how safe cars are when taking a heavy impact to its side. This is in an attempt to protect passengers from being crushed against an obstruction such as a pole or barrier. This spells disaster for Aston Martin as the car brand struggles to keep up with the mega manufacturers it competes with.

Uniquely Independent

Unlike most car brands, Aston Martin is still independently owned. Delays to its next generation DB9 and Vantage have meant that the company cannot react to the new regulations quick enough. The application for an exemption is designed to give them more time to make the required safety changes. If the US regulators refuse to grant the exemption, Aston Martin have announced that they will have to run at a loss, or possibly even close operations in the US.

World Renowned

Aston Martin was established in 1913, starting when two salesmen Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford decided to build their own cars. The name comes from Aston Hill, a race track where Martin regularly competed. The first to carry the Aston Martin name was given a 1908 Isotta-Fraschini fitted with a 4 cylinder Coventry-Simplex engine. The first cars went on sale in 1915.

company has gone on to establish itself as one of the most famous brands in the world. In particular, the appearance of the DB5 in Goldfinger further adding to the company’s iconic status.

Car fans will be hoping that the US regulators will provide an exemption to allow the much loved brand to continue operating in the US.

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