Aston Martin surprised everyone with the introduction of its DBX crossover at the Geneva Motor Show.

After a few tough years, things are starting to look up for Aston Martin – and for Aston fans.

With a new CEO and funds to let Andy Palmer’s team fire up the product development process, Aston says it is ready to not only replace all of its current product lines but add “up to three new models” to its line-up. It has confirmed one of those, a production version of the striking, if controversial, DBX crossover first shown at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.

But now comes word that Aston might not use its factory in Gaydon, several hours outside London, to produce the DBX. Sources suggest that it is looking at several alternative that could include producing the new model in the United States.

Making things even more controversial, CEO Palmer has confirmed that Aston is giving very serious thought to adding a battery-power version of its 4-door Rapide model as part of what he has called the “Second Century” plan.

(Aston Martin takes to the track with new Vulcan. For more, Click Here.)

“The Second Century plan not only delivers exciting and highly desirable new luxury sports cars in the traditional sense, but also embraces new powertrain technology,” explained Palmer, during a trip to China.

The Aston Martin Lagonda concept.

“I have challenged not only convention but also my team to investigate an electric version of the Rapide, a product which will undoubtedly be attractive for the China market,” Palmer said during this week’s Shanghai Motor Show.

The battery-car, apparently, could make use of Chinese technology, Aston turning to suppliers including Hanergy and Lety. The idea of adding an electric car to the line-up shouldn’t come as a total surprise. A variety of other luxury makers are looking at the potential battery car options. Audi is developing an electric version of the R8. Bentley is developing a plug-in version of its upcoming Bentayga SUV.

And China would be an obvious market. Shanghai, Beijing and a number of other major cities have enacted stiff limits on the number of new vehicles that can be registered each month – quotas waived for qualifying plug-based products.

Whether, in fact, Rapide would be the only electrified Aston remains unclear. The DBX concept, as unveiled at Geneva, used a plug-based drivetrain.

(For more on the Aston Martin DBX concept. Click Here.)

What’s clear is that the first utility vehicle in Aston history will opt for a 4-door design, rather than the 2-door show car’s design. Beyond that, the British maker is really just getting going on a project that was only launched late last year, less than a week after Palmer joined Aston.

Among the many issues that will have to be resolved, Aston will need to find a manufacturing site. Reports out of Britain suggest it may look at several options beyond Gaydon. That could include a partnership with Jaguar Land Rover – the three makers once united as subsidiaries of Ford Motor Co. Another idea apparently under consideration would be finding a manufacturing source in the U.S.

“We are currently working on the program assumptions for DBX and part of that does include manufacturing,” noted Simon Sproule, the maker’s head of marketing and communications. Beyond that, he stressed, Aston will not comment on the reports and rumors.

As to what else might be coming from Aston? Neither Sproule nor Palmer are commenting, but speculation includes a new model bearing the classic Lagonda badge, which would likely be reserved for new sedan – or in British terms, saloon – models. And yet another new sports car could round things up.

The maker has announced a goal of doubling sales – to an annual 8,000 – by decade’s end, and has been pledged financial help by, among others, Italian capital fund Investindustrial SpA, which took a 37.5% stake in the maker in 2012.

“Aston has an industrial plan which is growing in its ambitions and we have always planned to participate in all funding needs that Aston has,” said Investindustrial Chairman Andrea Bonomi speaking to reporters in Milan last January. “If Aston needs capital, we’re there.”

(For more on Aston’s cash infusion — and what it will buy — Click Here.)