Aston Martin opens first South American dealership

British luxury sports car builder Aston Martin has officially opened its first dealership in South America: Aston Martin Santiago in Santiago, Chile.

The dealership was opened in conjunction with the local firm Comercial y Arrendamientos Leon Ltda and Aston Martin says that it anticipates that the store will deliver 15 cars during 2010. Another Aston Martin dealership will open in Sao Paolo, Brazil, later this year, and the automaker says it has plans for additional outlets in Greece, South Korea, Poland and Sweden.

The automaker won't open a dedicated South American sales and marketing office. Instead, operations will be handled by Aston Martin The Americas Head Office in Irvine, California.

Chile has a rapidly expanding luxury sports car market and it was imperative that we carefully consider the right location and association for Aston Martin in the region. In Comercial y Arrendamientos Leon Ltda. and their facility in Santiago," said Aston Martin The Americas Vice President and General Manager Julian Jenkins. "I am confident we have found the partner who perfectly befits our brand values and shares our enthusiasm for the marque."