46 March 2023 www.bahrainthismonth.com motoring news Ultra-luxury manufacturer, Aston Martin, is increasing employment at its Gaydon headquarters with the creation of more than 100 jobs in its manufacturing facility as it prepares to unleash its next generation of sportscars. In 2023, Aston Martin will commence the launch of the highly anticipated future models, which will further enhance its focus on ultra-luxury, high-performance and driving intensity. More than 100 new automotive technicians are now to be recruited to support production at the British manufacturer’s world-class centre for sports car design and engineering. The recruitment drive will include an offer of full-time permanent employment to agency colleagues currently working at Aston Martin sites on a temporary basis, including those who have supported the ramp-up of DBX707 production in St Athan, following the successful launch of the model in 2022. Chief People Officer of Aston Martin Lagonda, Simon Smith, said: “As Aston Martin prepares to ramp-up production and launch the first of our next generation of sports cars, we are delighted to offer high-quality permanent employment opportunities for our valued agency colleagues. Nobody builds an Aston Martin on their own and this is a fantastic opportunity for experienced automotive technicians to join our world-class team and play their part in this exciting next chapter in Aston Martin’s rich history.” Aston Martin to Launch Next-Gen Supercars Kia UK has won two awards at the 2023 What Car? Car of the Year Awards, including a major category win for the Kia Sportage. The Kia Sportage was named ‘Family SUV of the Year’ ahead of others in the most popular and hotly contested vehicle segment in the UK. The latest Kia Sportage was introduced at the start of 2022. It was the UK’s sixth best-selling new car last year, with 29,655 units of the SUV being purchased by UK buyers through 2022. This version is the first in five generations of Sportage to offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. Meanwhile, the Kia EV9 was voted winner of the ‘Reader Award’. This trophy is voted for by What Car? readers, who named the upcoming EV9 as their most highly anticipated new car of 2023. The Kia EV9 is due to be revealed later in 2023, with UK deliveries set to commence towards the end of the year. The large electric SUV is the next EV due to be launched under the brand’s ‘Plan S’ long-term strategy for electrification leadership. WHAT CAR? AWARDS FOR KIA
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