To begin the centenary celebrations in China, eight screenings of Skyfall were shown across three cities. The tour started with a private screening on 20 January at the Shanghai showroom, followed by the chance for guests, including the British Consul-General, Shanghai, Brian Davidson to see the classic DB5 and the new 2013 DB9. Speaking about the DB5, Davidson said: “It’s everything that people should think about Britain — modern, dynamic, innovative and an extremely gorgeous car.”

The celebrations then moved on to the Chinese capital, Beijing, where more screenings for the media and customers were held along with further opportunities for guests to admire the DB5 and the DB9. The DB5 was then photographed at the Imperial Palace — one icon in front of another — before a final screening took place in Guangzhou on 29 January.

Aston Martin owners at the Maishima Helliport in Osaka, where they drove to celebrate the Skyfall premiere last year

Guangzhou Motor Show

Aston Martin exhibited at the 10th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition in November, showing the four-door Rapide, the V8 Vantage and the Virage as well as featuring the Chinese launch of the new Vanquish. CEO Dr Ulrich Bez commented: “In Aston Martin’s hundred years, the marque has gained a unique reputation around the world due to its exquisite craftsmanship, engineering and excellent design. The unveiling of the new Vanquish is a great start to the next century. Vanquish is the ultimate expression of our design ethos, engineering innovation and technical ability.”