This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on November 4, 2015.

For 50 years, its cars have accompanied James Bond on every thrilling turn, becoming an icon within the British film franchise based on author Ian Fleming's world-renowned spy. And this week, as the latest Bond film Spectre, which opens tomorrow in Malaysian cinemas, luxury sports car manufacturer Aston Martin — whose newest DB10 coupe features in the movie — announced its distribution comeback in Malaysia.

At an event in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, the British brand announced the appointment of Asian luxury car retailer Wearnes as its dealer here in Kuala Lumpur. The move sees the established car retailing giant take on all sales, after sales, marketing and brand-building responsibilities for Aston Martin in Malaysia. This follows the opening of Wearnes landmark facility for the car brand in Singapore last week. 

“We started in 1913, and were born out of a racing heritage. And since then, we have always devoted ourselves to produce cars that are breathtaking in style, design and performance,” said Aston Martin's Asia Pacific regional director, Patrick Nilsson. 

He highlighted that both brands’ shared values and experience in the industry made the partnership a promising one: “Aston Martin and Wearnes were established over a century ago, and Wearnes’ expertise in the luxury automotive sector will play a key role in the brand’s development here in Malaysia,” adding that the partnership is a long-term investment. 

Wearnes regional managing director Gabor A Csurgai echoes the sentiment. “We take pride in providing our customers with a seamless and customised Wearnes experience, synonymous with the standards of excellence of Aston Martin. The brand has catered to many generations, with a rich heritage and credibility. It’s not only a brand experience, an investment classified as a prestigious collectible.” 

He further expressed confidence that despite the downturn in the Malaysian market, the brand’s unique positioning and customer base would mean that their timing of entry is one that would sustain and see growth nonetheless. 

Established in 1906, Wearnes holds dealerships for a range of iconic car brands in the premium and luxury automotive sector. Also representing the Aston Martin brand in Singapore, Csurgai stated that they are in the final stages of setting up the company in Kuala Lumpur, with a temporary facility until early next year, where the company will establish a more permanent presence. 

“One thing we want to focus on is customer care,” said Csurgai. 

 The announcement, which was followed by the premiere of Spectre, also saw the attendance of British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Vicki Treadell, who said that the British car brand, along with the film franchise, shows the best of modern Britain. 

In what Nilsson described as a “50-year love affair with James Bond”, Aston Martin will be selling the one-of-its-kind DB10 used in the latest film in an auction next year. Making a rare appearance in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur was also the limited production V12 Zagato, crafted in partnership with Italian car design studio Zagato. 

Boasting the strongest line-up in the brand’s history yet, the current Aston Martin model range comprises the sports-focused V8 Vantage, V12 Vantage S, a timeless DB9, four-door sports car Rapide S, and super GT car, Vanquish. 

Aston Martin’s temporary showroom will be located at 204, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur. For more information, email [email protected].