The world’s carmakers are queuing up for government handouts as customers have put the brakes on spending.

James Bond marque Aston Martin is planning 600 job losses at the firm’s Gaydon, Warwickshire, and factory. Aston Martin is also cutting costs by extending the Christmas shut down for two more weeks.

Aston Martin chief executive, 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."

Former Aston Martin owner Ford has also hinted luxury Swedish carmaker Volvo could be for sale and a share Ford owns in Mazda, the Japanese brand is open to offers as well.

Both announcements heralded details of plunging sales figures for November.

Sales were down 20% in the UK in September and October and November’s figures are due later this week. The industry would show no surprise at a continuing drop in sales as credit has dried up.

Later today, Ford, General Motors and Chrysler are returning to the US government with an improved financial strategy to beg for a $25 billion aid package.

The US car giants are not the only big names seeking government aid. Volvo and Saab, which is owned by General Motors, have asked the Swedish government for financial help.

Latest figures also show car sales are dropping through the floor in Belgium, Italy, Sweden and France.

Worst hit is Spain, with sales down 50% - the worst figures since 1993 - and where the government is already budgeting for an €800m package to help the car industry amid fears 50,000 jobs could go.

In Japan car sales fell 18% and were down 8.6% in South Korea.

The tumbling sales figures in Europe make grim reading for UK car makers as the bulk of the cars made here are exported to Europe.