Rolls-Royce See Sales Increase Despite Weak Economy

Rolls-Royce have experienced an increase in sales for 2011 even though the economy remains weak.

The luxury BMW-owned brand saw a growth in sales of 31% selling 3538 models, which is believed to be down to the sales of the company's Ghost and Phantom models.

This figure beats the previous top sale of 3347 in 1978 with the company seeing an increase in sales in Germany and Russia as well as the UK, Middle East and Asia Pacific. However, China and the USA are the marque's leading customers, seeing an expansion in sales of around 30 and 28% respectively.

Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Torsten Müller-Ötvös said: “We had an outstanding year in 2011 and we should take a moment to reflect on this Great British success story.

“Our business is in excellent shape. We are developing our dealer network, moving into new markets like South America, expanding our manufacturing operation in West Sussex to meet global demand and have plans to develop our product range. At the core of this extraordinary success is a dedicated, committed and, above all, passionate workforce.”

Last year also saw an increase in interest in the Rolls-Royce Bespoke personalisation programme, where the company will craft unique colours, embroidery, interior detail and amenities to each individual sale. Almost every model in the Phantom family that left the Rolls-Royce base in Goodwood featured an element of personalisation and more Ghost customers have requested bespoke cars.

In order to meet demand and further growth in sales, the company announced in September last year that they would expand their Goodwood plant, which currently employs around 1000 people. Work is set to start next month and it is hoped that the requirements for the bespoke Ghost and Phantom models will be met.