Rolls Royce has reported record sales for 2011, having sold 3,538 cars. This figure beats the previous record of 3,347, set in 1978. The marque’s Ghost model has been highlighted as one of the main reasons for the increase.
The BMW-owned firm has built on the brand’s reputation as one of the world’s most luxurious and reliable cars – perhaps one of the least likely vehicles to feature on a car breakdown cover website – having doubled sales in Germany and Russia, and seen significant increases in many other markets, including the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East and the home market of the United Kingdom, which saw an increase of 30%.
The firm’s most important markets are China and the US, but no figures were released as regards sales in these countries.
Bentley, one of Rolls Royce’s key competitors, also saw big increases in 2011, having sold 7003 cars. The two brands were once part of the same company, but Volkswagen took over Bentley a decade ago. Bentleys are still manufactured in the original Crewe factory, while Rolls Royce built a brand new factory in West Sussex near the Goodwood circuit, having previously had manufacturing facilities in Manchester, London, Derby and Crewe.
The impressive sales figures – the best in the company’s 107 year history – come at a time when the firm is planning to expand its manufacturing capability and model range.
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