LONDON - Aston Martin, the maker of luxury cars driven by royals and James Bond, said Monday it was planning to cut 600 full-time and temporary jobs because of falling sales amid the world economic downturn.

Aston Martin sold 7,300 cars last year but that is expected to fall to 6,500 this year.

Chief executive Dr Ulrich Bez said: "Like other premium car brands, Aston Martin has been forced to take action to respond to the unprecedented downturn in the global economy.

"These are regrettable but necessary measures in the extraordinary market conditions we all now face."

The company said the job cuts would hit the company's factory in Gaydon, central England.

Sean Connery's Bond drove an Aston Martin DB5, which made its debut in 1964 film "Goldfinger".

Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, said in July that his beloved convertible Aston Martin had been adapted to run on