Rolls Royce finished 2013 with record sales for 4th consecutive year.

• 3,630 cars delivered to customers in 2013, the fourth consecutive record year and the highest in the marque’s history.
• Rolls-Royce confirms leadership of super-luxury segment over Euros 200,000 net.
• Rolls-Royce remains the world’s leading super-luxury automobile.
• Bespoke content at highest-ever levels.
• Rolls-Royce motor cars are now sold in more than 40 countries worldwide.
• China and United States in top two regional positions.
• 100 new jobs to be created at the Goodwood-based manufacturing plant in 2014.
• Rolls-Royce reaffirms position at pinnacle of British luxury goods manufacturing.
• Highest annual sales are announced in the marque’s 110th year.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today revealed record sales results for 2013. 3,630 cars were sold globally during the year, which represents the company’s fourth consecutive record. The result is announced in the 110th year of the marque.

These results confirm Rolls-Royce’s clear position as the world’s leading super-luxury brand.  Strong sales growth was reported across the globe, with notable results seen in the Middle East (up 17%) and China (up 11%). Several countries recorded strong sales performances, including Germany, Japan, Qatar and Canada. China and the United States remained the most significant individual markets for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars followed by the Middle East. Rolls-Royce sold motor cars in more than 40 countries worldwide, building on success in emerging markets such as Istanbul, Beirut, Lagos, Hanoi, Perth, Taichung, Queensland
and Perth.

As part of the company’s commitment to long-term sustainable growth, there was significant dealer development during the year. 15 new dealerships opened across the world, taking the total to 120 for the first time in the company’s history. Further dealership expansion is planned for 2014.

The Company also announced a 2014 recruitment programme for 100 new permanent jobs based at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, primarily in the manufacturing areas. This is in addition to the 100 new jobs announced in July 2013. More than 1300 people are now employed by Rolls-Royce worldwide.

“I stated at the beginning of last year that I wished to see further sustainable growth, I am therefore delighted with this fourth successive record year, a result that reaffirms our leadership of the super-luxury segment,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “This is an extraordinary British manufacturing success story borne out of a commitment to delivering only the very finest super-luxury goods. I am particularly satisfied to report that this result is based on a balanced global sales picture, with continued success in emerging markets paving the way for future sustainable growth.”

Business Secretary Vince Cable said, “Rolls-Royce’s impressive sales record and the new jobs they have created shows the strength of this iconic brand and reflects the rising success of the British car industry. Last year, car exports generated over £30 billion for our economy – a rise of around 7%. The Government's industrial strategy is giving businesses like Rolls-Royce the confidence to invest – delivering skilled jobs and driving growth.”

Andrew Tyrie, Member of Parliament for Chichester, said, “This is very good news for Britain and for my constituents. I’m delighted for Rolls-Royce and for all those who work there. It’s great to have such a centre of excellence near Chichester.”

2013 also marked another record for the Rolls-Royce Bespoke personalisation programme, a service unmatched in the automotive world. Nearly every Phantom family model, and three out of every four Ghosts, left the Home of Rolls-Royce with bespoke personalisation.

Wraith was offered with Bespoke capability from the start of production and many customers have already taken the opportunity to personalise their new motor cars. Sales were also enhanced by several exceptional bespoke collections in 2013, including Home of Rolls-Royce and Alpine Trial Centenary, and a number of unique creations, including the Celestial Phantom and Ghost Golden Sunbird.

The company’s portfolio includes the pinnacle Phantom family products – Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase, Phantom Drophead Coupé and Phantom Coupé – and the Ghost family – Ghost and Ghost Extended Wheelbase. Demand for all variants was strong. The company’s new model, Wraith, was unveiled in March at the Geneva Motor Show to worldwide acclaim and the first customer cars were delivered during the fourth quarter. Wraith already has a strong order book.

Rolls‑Royce has successfully retained its position at the very pinnacle of the super-luxury market, maintaining segment leadership for motor cars selling above Euros 200,000 net. No other luxury brand sells as many cars in this segment as Rolls-Royce.

Heritage: 110th Year Anniversary

The company founders, the Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls and Frederick Henry Royce (later Sir Henry Royce) first met in May 1904 at the Midland Hotel in Manchester. Both parties knew each other by repute and they were introduced by Henry Edmunds, a business associate, fellow pioneer motorist and Director of Royce Limited. Rolls agreed to take Royce's entire production and the cars were to be marketed as Rolls‑Royces from late 1904. Here was the start of a legend where the two names became synonymous with superlative quality in so many spheres and which continues to this day.

Limited Edition Rolls Royce Ghost -

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is delighted to announce the launch of Ghost V-Specification; a limited series of Ghost and Ghost Extended Wheelbase motor cars that will be available for customers to commission from January to June 2014.

“This limited series celebrates one of Ghost’s defining characteristics; the exquisite 6.6 litre Rolls-Royce V12 engine,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Since its introduction in 2009, an extraordinary marriage of assured presence and remarkable driving dynamics has endeared Ghost to a new generation of highly discerning businessmen and women, ensuring the car’s position as the statement of choice for a growing band of successful entrepreneurs around the world.”

At the heart of the Ghost’s driving experience is its hallmark V12 engine. Acceleration is delivered with a characteristic immediacy and smoothness, propelling occupants from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds with 80% of power available from idle. This unique powertrain is celebrated with a 30bhp / 22kw power increase on all Ghost V-Specification motor cars.

Elegantly applied design touches hint at Ghost V-Specification’s inherent dynamism. V-Specification motif coachlines finish the exterior paint-scheme whilst customers can either choose from five specially selected exterior colours, or from Rolls-Royce’s 44,000 hue palette. Optional visible chrome exhausts and 21” part-polished wheels add further expression to the car’s dynamic promise.

The V-Specification motif is echoed around the car’s handcrafted interior through engraving to the treadplates, embroidery to the rear armrest and hand-applied steel inlays to the front multimedia screen lid. The interior is completed with an exclusively designed clock with a black crown surrounding the face.

Rolls Royce shows its class in Dubai

• Bespoke Celestial Phantom unveiled
• 446 diamonds extend car’s Celestial theme
• Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dubai presents Phantom Coupé Chicane
• Rolls-Royce Wraith makes Middle Eastern public debut

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ Bespoke offering took centre stage at the Dubai International Motor Show with the unveiling of the Celestial Phantom, Alpine Trial Centenary Collection and Chicane Phantom Coupé.

The Celestial Phantom

This extraordinary motor car that first debuted at the Frankfurt IAA to great acclaim and is presented with one important addition; 446 diamonds meticulously hand-set into the door-cappings, centre console lid and rear-privacy divider.

“The Middle East is the largest market for Bespoke in the world and in celebration of this we sought to create something truly special for the Dubai International Motor Show. Every Rolls‑Royce is crafted with only the finest materials, extending the Celestial Phantom’s starry night theme with one of the rarest and most precious commodities in the world.” said Torsten Müller‑Ötvös, CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

This one-of-a-kind masterpiece celebrates a seminal moment in Rolls-Royce history - the handover of the first Phantom to its owner at midnight on 1 January 2003.

The exterior colour scheme evokes the night sky – integrating fine glass particles into the paint to achieve an alluring sense of depth and light. The theme continues when one opens the coach doors of this very special Phantom Extended Wheelbase.

Upon entering the car, occupants are welcomed with a new take on Starlight Headliner, a Bespoke feature that has captivated Rolls-Royce’s discerning customers more than any. The constellations, exactly as they were at midnight on that historic evening, are represented by over a thousand fibre optic lights hand-woven into the Celestial Phantom’s headlining.

The finest leathers, presented in a ‘Dusk’ hue, allude to the inky quality of a cloudless night sky. Bespoke glassware and an exquisitely appointed picnic set express the manner in which a customer’s lifestyle and passions can be seamlessly integrated into their personal, highly Bespoke Rolls-Royce.

Hallmark attention-to-detail is evident throughout. The night-sky constellation arrangement was verified by the South Downs Planetarium to ensure authenticity, whilst hand-stitching to the headliner subtly maps out the constellations.

The exterior is finished with engraving to wheel centres while an uplit Spirit of Ecstasy figurine elegantly alludes to the car’s ethereal theme.

Dining under the stars takes on a new dimension with a themed re-imaging of the famed Rolls‑Royce Picnic Set. The glassware features a beautifully hand-engraved Celestial motif whilst celebrated porcelain maker Nymphenburg was commissioned for the set’s plates, providing an exquisitely presented image of the constellations.

Phantom Coupé Chicane

The Bespoke Phantom Coupé Chicane car also made its world debut. AGMC, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ authorised dealer for Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates commissioned the car during a recent visit to the Home of Rolls-Royce and the adjacent Goodwood Motor Circuit.

“I wanted to create a motor car that captures the unique atmosphere and history of the Goodwood Motor Circuit. The Home of Rolls-Royce’s connection to such an important centre of British motoring heritage is something that fascinates my customers,” said Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dubai Brand Manager, Mohammed El-Arishy. “The experience of working with Rolls‑Royce’s world-class designers to create the beautifully executed Chicane Phantom Coupé was exhilarating. The creativity, vision, skill and attention-to-detail employed in the crafting of these one-off motor cars is unsurpassed in the super-luxury world.”

The result, the one-of-a-kind Chicane Phantom Coupé, incorporates design cues and materials that evoke Goodwood’s rich motor sport history.

A traditional interior wood-finish makes way for carbon fibre, alluding to the materials used in modern racing machines. This highly contemporary theme extends to the exterior of the car, with the bonnet and windscreen surround finished in matte black, perfectly complementing the Gunmetal exterior paint.

Coloured wheels matching the main exterior paint finish are also specified, the first time such a feature has adorned a contemporary Rolls-Royce motor car.

Hand-crafted details throughout allude to the car’s historic motor racing theme with chequered flag otif stitching to the seats echoed on the exterior with a matching Bespoke coachline. The elegant homage is completed with a metal plaque expressing the car’s name and Goodwood’s famous track layout located discreetly in the glove compartment.

Alpine Trial Centenary Collection

The first ever Bespoke Collection to take inspiration from a heritage Rolls-Royce also debuted at the Show.

A century ago, four Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts embarked on the Austrian Alpine Trials, the most arduous test of automotive endurance of the time. The cars performed without fault, emphatically establishing the marque’s reputation as purveyor of ‘the best car in the world’.

This limited edition Rolls-Royce Ghost features exquisitely crafted design cues that pay tribute to the 1913 Alpine Trials cars.

The exterior paint hue, for example takes close inspiration from Radley’s original Silver Ghost, a car that participated in this year’s re-enactment in Austria of the 1913 Alpine Trial, as part of the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Works Team.

The Radley car’s distinct black grille and wheels are also replicated across the collection – the first time a painted grille has adorned a contemporary Rolls-Royce motor car.

The cabin plays host to Bespoke details that elegantly tell the story of the Alpine Trial. The clock displays the stages of the rally and timings, whilst inlays to rear picnic tables and the front fascia express the topography and distances of the Alpine route. Each element is meticulously hand-crafted and researched to ensure accuracy, epitomising hallmark Rolls-Royce attention-to-detail.

A hand-painted coachline referencing the four Rolls-Royce motor cars that took part in the rally and headlining, colour-matched to the hood of Radley’s car, completes a beautiful homage.

Rolls-Royce Wraith

Wraith, the most powerful, dynamic Rolls-Royce in history also made its Middle Eastern debut. Following a series of exclusive closed-room events and test-drive opportunities, this highly contemporary expression of Rolls-Royce luxury has already captured the imagination of a new generation of discerning Middle Eastern customers.

With a striking fastback design, performance delivers on the promise of its bold exterior styling. 624 bhp is derived from a twin-turbo V12, delivering a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds. However, Wraith is every inch a refined and luxurious Rolls-Royce, with every possible comfort that one would expect from the pinnacle marque.

Hallmark Rolls-Royce effortlessness is augmented with a suite of specially developed technologies. Satellite Aided Transmission, for example, processes GPS data to predict the driver’s next move, automatically selecting the correct gear for the road ahead. A one-touch call button akin to an on-board valet, allows navigation, telephone and multimedia to be controlled via voice commands.

The finest materials constitute an interior that cossets occupants. Canadel Panelling, a tactile open grain wood named after Henry Royce’s winter home at the Cote d`Azur, sweeps around the lower hull of Wraith’s interior, whilst a Starlight Headliner completes the glamour, bathing the cabin in a warm glow via thousands of tiny fibre-optic lamps hand-woven into the roof-lining.

Rolls Royce plans an SUV, please dont !!!!!!!!!

Our friends over on Auto Express have today released an artists impression of what could be a new Rolls Royce SUV, as a personal comment, I feel that if BMW do decide to go down this route would be a really bad mistake, neither the Bentley or Lamborghini SUV's are pretty, and this is equally as ungainly, I feel that Rolls Royce would be better off heading down the grand tourer route, like a Mercedes SL, now that, I feel would be better than this monster.

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Rolls-Royce CEO confirms designers are already working on SUV - and our exclusive image shows how car could look

Rolls-Royce has given the clearest indication yet that it will build an SUV - and our exclusive image show how the amazing model could look.

Built at its Goodwood factory, and going on sale by 2017 at the earliest, the Rolls-Royce SUV will take on a rash of luxury 4x4s due over the next few years.

Rolls CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos has just put the successful launch of the Rolls-Royce Wraith coupe behind him. Now he’s desperate to develop new products for an increasingly important, fresher, younger breed of super-rich buyers – from high-profile sports, music and film stars to dot com billionaires. Despite their wealth, many are in their thirties or even twenties, could well be Chinese, and have a desire to own a Rolls – but not necessarily a ‘traditional’ limousine.

“The SUV segment is an interesting one,” Muller-Otvos told Auto Express. “There’s growth in the SUV sector and such a vehicle is thinkable. I'm open to that. Our design director, Giles Taylor, is already doing the first sketches.”

Our images show how Rolls’ latest design language – as seen on the Ghost and Wraith – could translate into a higher-riding SUV. The traditional chrome grille sits proud at the front, topped off by the signature Spirit of Ecstasy. Meanwhile, the graceful lines and rear-hinged doors both provide plenty of Rolls-Royce class.

REPORT HERE

Movie cars on the Rolls Royce display at the Goodwood revival

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will celebrate a record Goodwood Revival this weekend, with all three days of the popular event selling out a month ahead of the event for the first time. The local manufacturer of super-luxury motor cars will host customers, prospects, VIPs and also entertain the thousands of visitors to the world’s most popular historic motor race meeting in true Rolls-Royce style.

This year the Rolls-Royce showroom at the March Motor Works – an authentic recreation of a 1960s dealership – is the set for filming of ‘The Yellow Rolls-Royce’. The MGM movie was released in 1964 and featured an all-star cast including Ingrid Bergman, Rex Harrison, Shirley MacLaine, Alain Delon, Jeanne Moreau, George C. Scott and Omar Sharif. The scene is based on the opening sequence of the film, set in 1931, where the character Lord Frinton (Rex Harrison) is buying a Rolls-Royce Phantom II Sedanca De Ville from a London Showroom. The treatment of the film set décor closely follows that of the film and the theatre, only possible at the Goodwood Revival, will consist of the cast filming on set and in preparation for filming. The ‘Yellow Rolls-Royce’ will, of course, take the lead role. Expect the ever-present paparazzi and a cordon of the Goodwood Runners (period police force) to be on hand to hold back adoring fans.

Rolls-Royce will be represented on the Motor Circuit throughout the event, with a beautiful 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Continental in Velvet Green, with bodywork by James Young, forming part of the Course Director’s entourage. Very special guests of the Company will be conveyed in period luxury, with the silence of the ‘magic carpet ride’ only marginally disturbed by the ticking of the clock.

Departing the Revival, invited guests will return to the current day in contemporary luxury, as they are conveyed in exquisite Rolls-Royce Phantom and Ghost cars hand-built at the Home of Rolls-Royce, located within the Goodwood Estate, a short distance from the Motor Circuit.

FRANKFURT - Rolls Royce

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is delighted to showcase the breadth of the marque’s Bespoke offering at the 2013 Frankfurt IAA with the unveiling of the Celestial Phantom and European debut of the Home of Rolls-Royce Collection.

With nearly every Phantom and 75% of Ghost models featuring an element of Bespoke design, this unique automotive tailoring service has been a key driver in the Rolls-Royce success story.

“As we mark the tenth anniversary of the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, we can reflect on an exceptional period in the marque’s rich history,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Rolls-Royce is a brand that appeals to unique and highly discerning customers who demand a hand-crafted reflection of their tastes, lifestyles and desires. Delivering this through our Bespoke programme has ensured the marque’s rightful place as the pinnacle super-luxury company. Following three successive record years, we remain committed to this approach and are laying down the foundations, through expansion of our manufacturing plant and the creation of 100 jobs to continue growing sustainably.”

The Celestial Phantom

Midnight, 1 January 2003, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ renaissance under BMW Group custodianship is heralded with a whisper. The first Phantom gracefully wafts through a newly completed manufacturing plant into the hands of its eagerly awaiting owner, signalling the start of an extraordinary new chapter in the marque’s storied history. A decade on, this historic moment is celebrated with the unveiling of the Celestial Phantom.

This one-off motor car evokes the spirit of that evening with the elegance and lightness of touch that has come to epitomise the work of Goodwood’s designers and craftspeople.

The exterior colour scheme evokes the night sky – integrating fine glass particles into the paint to achieve an alluring sense of depth and light. The theme continues when one opens the coach doors of this very special Phantom Extended Wheelbase.

“This highly Bespoke luxury motor car is the perfect way for us to celebrate our first decade of production at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England. The peerless design and craftsmanship employed in creating these one-of-a-kind masterpieces ensures the marque’s rightful place as purveyor of the very finest luxury goods in the world,” added Torsten Müller-Ötvös.

Upon entering the car, occupants are welcomed with a new take on Starlight Headliner, a Bespoke feature that has captivated Rolls-Royce’s discerning customers more than any. The constellations, exactly as they were at midnight on that historic evening are represented by over a thousand fibre optic lights hand-woven into the Celestial Phantom’s headlining.

The finest leathers, presented in a ‘Dusk’ hue allude to the inky quality of a cloudless night sky. Bespoke glassware and an exquisitely appointed picnic set, express the manner in which a customer’s lifestyle and passions can be seamlessly integrated into their personal highly Bespoke Rolls-Royce.

The attention-to-detail and restless striving for perfection, so intrinsic to the Rolls-Royce brand promise, is evident throughout. The night-sky constellation arrangement was verified by the South Downs Planetarium to ensure authenticity, whilst the reflection of the ‘stars’ in the surface of the rear drinks compartment lid was meticulously planned and designed. Finer detail still, with hand-stitching to the headliner that subtly maps out the constellations.

Of course, the finest materials furnish every Rolls-Royce. For such a special creation, the designers took this principle a step further with the rear privacy divider’s clock replete with four diamonds.

The exterior is finished with engraving to wheel centres while an uplit Spirit of Ecstasy figurine elegantly alludes to the car’s ethereal theme.

Dining under the stars takes on a new dimension with a themed re-imaging of the famed Rolls-Royce Picnic Set. The glassware features a beautifully hand-engraved Celestial motif whilst celebrated porcelain maker Nymphenburg was commissioned for the set’s plates, providing an exquisitely presented image of the constellations.

The Home of Rolls-Royce Collection

The Frankfurt IAA also sees the European debut of the Home of Rolls-Royce Collection Ghost, part of a limited series of Phantom and Ghost models that celebrate the meticulous design, engineering and craftsmanship employed in the production of every automobile that leaves Goodwood.

A ‘Celebration’ motif, presented in hand-crafted marquetry on the front-fascia, marks this landmark year in Rolls-Royce’s history. Using methods akin to the artistry of fine furniture makers, this effect is achieved through a process that marries cutting edge technology with traditional craftsmanship.

Individual pieces of wood are laser-cut to ensure precision. A craftsperson then painstakingly assembles the sections, ensuring they perfectly express the vision of Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke design team. A fastidious process of quality control follows, utilising the world’s most accurate measuring tool – the human eye.

In 2012, hand-built Rolls-Royce motor cars exclusively assembled at Goodwood were exported to all fivecontinents. This global reach is celebrated throughout with a complex compass motif that expresses the Home of Rolls-Royce’s position as a major global centre of super-luxury manufacturing excellence.

The pattern is intricately embroidered to armrests and console lid. 120,000 stitches are applied by precision embroidery technology. Such is the complexity of the pattern it takes over an hour to finish one individual piece.

Co-ordinates engraved into tread plates, the bezel of the Spirit of Ecstasy and umbrella handles further express Goodwood’s place as the only manufacturing centre for the world’s pinnacle super-luxury brand.

A hand-painted coachline, culminating in a half-compass motif completes the exterior. Forming the final stage of a week-long, 22 stage painting process, coachlines are hand-applied by one highly-skilled craftsman using precision-made squirrel hair-brushes. Normally this process takes three hours – however the intricacy of this very special Bespoke design means the time taken to complete the process doubles.