Aston Martin Issues Earnings Alert Amid US Tariff Pressures and Seeks Official Support

The automaker has attributed a profit warning to US-imposed tariffs, while simultaneously urging the British authorities for greater proactive support.

The company, producing its cars in Warwickshire and south Wales, lowered its earnings forecast on Monday, representing the second such revision this year. It now anticipates a larger loss than the earlier estimated £110 million deficit.

Seeking Government Support

The carmaker expressed frustration with the British leadership, telling shareholders that despite having communicated with officials on both sides, it had productive talks with the American government but needed greater initiative from UK ministers.

It urged British authorities to protect the needs of niche automakers such as itself, which provide numerous employment opportunities and contribute to regional finances and the broader UK automotive supply chain.

International Commerce Impact

The US President has shaken the worldwide markets with a trade war this year, significantly affecting the automotive industry through the introduction of a 25 percent duty on 3rd April, in addition to an existing 2.5 percent charge.

During May, the US president and Keir Starmer agreed to a deal to limit tariffs on one hundred thousand UK-built vehicles per year to 10 percent. This rate came into force on June 30, aligning with the last day of the company's Q2.

Trade Deal Criticism

Nonetheless, the manufacturer expressed reservations about the trade deal, stating that the introduction of a US tariff quota mechanism adds additional complications and limits the group's capacity to accurately forecast financial performance for the current fiscal year-end and potentially quarterly from 2026 onwards.

Additional Factors

The carmaker also pointed to weaker demand partly due to increased potential for supply chain pressures, especially after a recent digital attack at a major UK automotive manufacturer.

UK automotive sector has been rattled this year by a cyber-attack on the country's largest automotive employer, which led to a manufacturing halt.

Market Reaction

Stock in the company, listed on the LSE, fell by more than 11% as markets opened on Monday at the start of the week before partially rebounding to be down 7%.

Aston Martin delivered one thousand four hundred thirty vehicles in its third quarter, falling short of earlier projections of being broadly similar to the 1,641 cars sold in the same period the previous year.

Future Initiatives

The wobble in sales coincides with Aston Martin prepares to launch its flagship hypercar, a mid-engine supercar costing around £743,000, which it expects will increase earnings. Deliveries of the car are expected to start in the final quarter of its financial year, though a forecast of about 150 units in those final quarter was below previous expectations, due to technical setbacks.

Aston Martin, well-known for its roles in the 007 movie series, has started a review of its future cost and spending plans, which it said would likely lead to lower spending in engineering and development versus earlier forecasts of about £2bn between its 2025 and 2029 financial years.

Aston Martin also informed investors that it no longer expects to generate profitable cash generation for the second half of its current year.

UK authorities was contacted for a statement.

Amy Jackson
Amy Jackson

A seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in Czech media, specializing in political analysis and investigative reporting.