In a goodwill gesture towards the people of Japan, Aston Martin boss Dr. Ulrich Bez will auction his company Rapide sports sedan at this year’s annual Bonhams event at Newport Pagnell, with all proceeds from the sale to benefit charities providing aid to the victims of the recent earthquakes and Tsunami. The Bonhams auction house said that in support of this initiative, it would waive its commission the Rapide sale that will take place in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, on Saturday May 21.

Commenting on the decision, the British firm’s CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez said:

“Nobody could have failed to be moved by the recent events in Japan and we at Aston Martin are no exception. After many years presence in the market and closer ties being forged with the Japanese automotive business in recent projects, we have many friends in the region and we wanted to do something to help.”

“I hope this superb car will raise a substantial amount to help make a difference,” Bez added.

The Rapide with the chassis number ‘F00039’ is a UK specification, right hand drive model built in late 2009 for the exclusive business use of Dr Ulrich Bez, who was became CEO of Aston Martin in 2000. The sports saloon comes in a Concours Blue exterior hue, while the interior is dressed in Obsidian Black leather stitched in Falcon Grey. Other features include the heated and cooled front and rear seats, an integrated garage door opener and a rear seat entertainment system incorporating a twin-screen DVD system and infrared headphones.