What's all this about?

Aston Martin is opening its second manufacturing facility in the UK - and the new site will build the firm's forthcoming crossover/SUV model, previewed by the DBX concept shown in Geneva last year.

Is it in the West Midlands near Gaydon?

No. It's actually based at St Athan, in Glamorgan, and the Welsh factory will repurpose three large hangars currently belonging to the military at MOD St Athan.

Will any other vehicles be made there?

Again no, as Gaydon will produce the next generation of sports cars - starting with the DB11 in autumn 2016 - and also the recently announced RapidE all-electric vehicle.

What does this mean for the British economy?

It's very good news. Not only is it a significant, multimillion pound injection of cash into the coffers, but it will also create an extra 1,000 jobs at both St Athan and Gaydon, between now and 2020. A further 3,000 jobs across the supply chain will also be generated.

Has Aston Martin got any specific tie with Wales?

Not really, but Dr Andrew Palmer, CEO of Aston, said: "During our 103-year history, Aston Martin has become famous for making beautiful hand-crafted cars in England. Through a detailed evaluation of more than 20 potential global locations for this new manufacturing facility, we were consistently impressed with the focus on quality, cost and speed from the Welsh Government team. As a great British company, we look forward to St Athan joining Gaydon as our second centre of hand-crafted manufacturing excellence."

And presumably Wales is delighted with the decision?

Indeed it is. The principality's First Minister, Carwyn Jones, added: "I am delighted to officially welcome Aston Martin to Wales. We have been working closely with the company for almost two years in the face of fierce competition from other potential sites across the world. Our success today is testament to the reputation, dedication and skills of the Welsh workforce, all qualities that are synonymous with such a luxury, hand-crafted brand as Aston Martin. Today is the start of a long-term relationship between Wales and Aston Martin."

Where will the DBX-based model sell best?

Aston Martin is predicting that more than 90 per cent of the vehicles produced in St Athan will be exported for sale outside of the UK, with China and the US the main markets.

Matt Robinson - 24 Feb 2016