Aston Martin recalls 5,500 vehicles in US

Around 5,500 Aston Martin cars in the US are to be recalled, according to the website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The recalls are expected to start in early February to repair problems with powertrains — the main components that generate power, and battery cables.

The NHTSA website says that 3,493 DB9, DBS, Rapide, Virag and Vanquish models — produced between 2009 and 2016 —will be repaired, after engineers found that the cars could be at increased risk of rolling away, due to problems that cause the park position not to engage.

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A further 1,953 DB9 and DBS vehicles manufactured between 2005 and 2009 are being recalled because of an increased risk of fire if the battery supply cables are damaged when the driver seat is in the full rearward location.

Sale/IPO next year

The recalls have been ordered as the Gaydon, England-based company prepares for a stock market listing or a sale of the firm.

The vehicles, which sell for more than $200,000 (€168,460), were made famous by the James Bond movies, which often depict the British spy speeding in an Aston Martin, including the most recent film "Spectre."

Although the recall is tiny compared to many large manufacturers, it represents about 18 months of worldwide sales of the high-end cars.

Some 3,600 Aston Martin models were sold globally last year, according to Bloomberg, with the US accounting for 20 percent of sales.

Last week, Aston Martin announced it was recalling more than 1,500 vehicles in China due to increased security risks.

mm/jm (Reuters, NHTSA)