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.

USA - December 2013 Sales: Automakers Shatter Records

The end of the year usually brings strong sales figures, and while a good number of automakers saw negative sales numbers for the month, they still managed to break yearly sales records. Some automakers even managed to set new sales records, like Audi who had its best U.S. sales year to date.Looking at the month of December, Honda had its best December sales, while Volkswagen managed to have its second best December since 1972. Other automakers boasted strong months, including Mitsubishi that had its best December in seven years.

We can't look at the month of December and not take a peek at overall sales records. Ford claimed its best year of sales since 2006, Kia had its second best full year of sales in the U.S., and Mazda managed to have its best year of retail-only sales since 1994.Even the luxury automakers outdid themselves. Mercedes-Benz achieved its highest year of sales in the U.S. with 312,534 units sold in 2013. BMW managed to break its U.S. all-time sales record, while both the BMW and Mini brands set new sales records.Take a look at the chart below to see how each automaker finished out 2013.

REPORT HERE

Mercedes posts record sales and breaks the 100k mark for the first time in the UK

• Mercedes-Benz UK exceeds 100,000 new car registrations in a year for the first time
• 7,813 new cars registered in November 2013 – a best-ever month
• AMG registrations rise 47 per cent to 2,947 year to date (YTD)
• Van registrations increase 17.7 per cent YTD, to 26,730 units
• Actros again leads the truck division – up 42 per cent YTD

Mercedes-Benz UK’s record registration year continued in November 2013, with the company reporting its best-ever results, according to figures released today by SMMT.  The company is still the fastest-growing premium brand in the UK car market, with registrations growing 19 per cent over 2012’s previous records.

Passenger car registrations – at 7,813 for the month – were the best November result ever-seen, and contributed to a monthly market share of 4.9 per cent.  For the first time in its UK history, the company has achieved more than 100,000 new car registrations in a year – the YTD figure shows that 102,044 new cars have taken to Britain’s roads in 2013.  The 100,000th customer was Jamie Leigh Arndell, who collected her first Mercedes-Benz, a white A 180 CDI Sport, from the company’s retailer in Bristol, on Friday 29 November.  She joins the 16,397 drivers who have taken delivery of an A-Class so far this year.

Elsewhere, the new generation E-Class range is proving particularly popular, with all four body styles showing significant growth YTD.  E-Class Coupé is up nine per cent to 4,470 cars; E-Class Cabriolet up six per cent to 4,112; E-Class Estate shows an eight per cent rise to 4,001; whilst the E-Class Saloon is up to 14,505 new cars – an increase of 36 per cent YTD.

Deliveries of the new S-Class luxury saloon in November were almost double its nearest rival, and registrations of the new range and the run-out year of the old model are at 1,372 new cars, keeping S-Class as the most successful luxury saloon in the UK.

High performances were also reported across the company’s AMG range, with 2,947 cars registered so far in 2013 – a growth of 47 per cent.  The C 63 AMG remains the UK’s most popular choice, with 1,522 registered this year, and more than 320 A 45 AMGs have taken to the UK’s roads in 2013.

Commercial vehicles

A strong month saw van registrations rise 18.5 per cent in November 2013, with Vito up 29.2 per cent to 513 units.  Sprinter, with 18,488 registered YTD, reported an increase of 14.4 per cent so far this year.  Combined results mean that the Vans division is looking set to have a record-breaking performance in 2013 once the year-end results are published in a month.

In Trucks, deliveries of the new Antos and Arocs ranges began, but it was tractor units where the biggest success was shown.  Axor registrations were up 34.8 per cent in November, to 248 units, whilst Actros more than doubled the same month last year, with 459 units registered.  So far this year, 2,713 Actros have been registered – up 42 per cent on 2012.

Commenting on the results, Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO Mercedes-Benz UK, commented:  “November 2013 has entered Mercedes-Benz UK’s history books as a real milestone.  Breaking through the 100,000 new car sales figure is a landmark achievement, helped by a strong model range – in fact we offer the widest choice of vehicles in the entire industry.  It’s fantastic to see that British customers are voting with their purchase and lease choices in record numbers.

“Our success isn’t confined to one part of our range though – as well as new compact cars like the A-Class and CLA, the extensive revisions we made to E-Class earlier this year have shown strong growth across all four body styles.  The car has been tailored to specifically meet UK demands and market conditions, and our engine and equipment packages are key in contributing to these numbers.”

Marcus Breitschwerdt continued:  “We’re also showing class-leading results in luxury and high-powered motoring, too.  We’ve been in run-out of the previous S-Class for most of the year, but still lead the segment despite sales of the new model only beginning recently.  And it’s great to see AMG sales continuing to accelerate hard.  Record after record is being broken.

“Our commercial vehicles division is recovering strongly too, with our vans on the verge of a significant best-ever record performance this year.  Market conditions have influenced the tractor segment, but as the first manufacturer to bring Euro 6 trucks to the UK, we’re seeing great results in both Euro 5 and Euro 6 products.”

Marcus Breitschwerdt concluded: “There’s only one month to go in 2013, and I’m confident that Mercedes-Benz UK will end the year in style.  Our significant, consistent record-breaking performance is due to a lot of factors – great products sold and serviced by a great team across our networks help of course.  But we’d be nowhere without our customers, who have a greater choice of cars, vans and trucks than ever before.  On behalf of the whole company my sincere thanks go to everyone who has chosen to join or remain in the Mercedes-Benz family this year.”

SEAT breaks sales record with over a month to go.

• SEAT UK last week surpassed its record-breaking 2012 yearly sales total
• 38,871 registrations by last Monday (11 November) beats 2012’s 38,798 total
• 2013 is already the company’s best ever year, with six weeks remaining
• SEAT achieves its fifth consecutive annual sales rise

SEAT UK can announce that it has already broken its annual sales record, with more than six weeks to spare.

By the morning of Monday 11 November, SEAT had reached 38,871 registrations, surpassing the 38,798 tally posted for 2012, itself a record-breaking year. It means that SEAT can already announce its best year ever, and its fifth consecutive annual sales improvement.

During what has been a fantastic 2013, SEAT has broken its monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and now annual sales records; September 2013 was SEAT’s best ever month (8,498 registrations), which topped off its best ever quarter (July – September 2013), which had followed its best ever half year (Jan – June 2013).

And October 2013 too has been a landmark month for SEAT, with 2,903 registrations making it the company’s best October ever. Retail sales alone were up by 34% compared to October 2012’s.

SEAT UK Director Neil Williamson says: “In a competitive marketplace it’s a testament to both the quality of our cars and the effort of our dealerships that we’ve broken our annual sales record already. A brilliant team effort.

“What’s most pleasing is that we’ve achieved much of this success in the showrooms: our year-to-date retail sales have gone up by almost a third. We’ve put a lot of focus on getting happy customers into great cars via an outstanding dealership experience.”

The SEAT Leon, which currently holds the Auto Express Car of the Year crown, is now available as a five-door hatchback, a three-door SC and an ST estate. SEAT showrooms now offer the most complete model line-up that the company has ever produced, from the Mii city car, through the ever-popular Ibiza supermini, the new Leon family, the highly practical new Toledo, the Altea and Altea XL MPVs, and the multi-award winning  Alhambra people carrier.

Skoda smashes 2012 full year sales with two months to go !

• 2013 year-to-date sales up 19% compared to the UK market, which has increased 10%
• Success means 2012’s total already passed
• 5,641 new ŠKODA registrations during October – up 18.5% on October last year

ŠKODA UK and its retailers are celebrating a record 2013. With 5,641 vehicle registrations during October, it takes the year-to-date (YTD) total to 55,217 – and passes last year’s benchmark of 53,200.

ŠKODA UK’s growth is also outperforming the UK automotive market. Bouncing back after the recession of 2008, the market has expanded by 10% YTD, but the Czech company is up 19%.

Furthermore, ŠKODA UK’s market share is up in October at 3.6% – and 2.8% YTD. The brand’s previous best, in 2012, was 2.6% YTD.

Alasdair Stewart, Brand Director for ŠKODA UK, was thrilled with the news and commented: “With our fresh new design language and expanded model line-up, ŠKODA cars are delivering exactly what our customers want – high quality and reliable motoring at value-for-money prices.”

October’s new car registrations figure of 5,641 is almost 900 units higher than the same month last year. Fleet customers choosing desirable models such as the ŠKODA Superb, new Octavia and Rapid played their part, with corporate registrations up from 1,716 last October to 2,400 this October.

Alfa Romeo breaks Nurburgring record with stunning 4C Supercar

• New Alfa Romeo 4C supercar completes a lap of the Nordschleife in just 8 minutes 04 seconds
• The lap time represents a new all-time record for all cars with engines producing less than 250hp
• Performance is in line with times set by sports cars with much higher prices and more powerful engines
• More than 250hp/tonne, 4.5 seconds from 0 to 62mph, 137hp/litre and 1.2g of deceleration: Alfa Romeo 4C guarantees even the most expert driver extraordinary performance and sensations
• The supercar was shod with special Pirelli Zero Trofeo tyres, the most sporty version in the Pirelli P Zero line, also type‐approved for road use on the German track

The new Alfa Romeo 4C has lapped the legendary Nordschleife at the historic Nürburgring circuit in Germany in a record-breaking time of 8 minutes 04 seconds, the fastest time of cars with engines under 250 HP and in line with times set by sports cars with much higher prices and more powerful engines. Driver, journalist and Nordschleife expert Horst von Saurma was behind the wheel when the record lap-time was set on September 12, 2013.

The test conducted at the ‘Green Hell’ in Germany is one of the countless tests that the Alfa Romeo supercar had to face in every part of the world, from the ‐35°in Sweden to the +40°of Abu Dhabi; from the Arizona (USA) deserts to the slopes of Mt. Etna in Sicily and from the Balocco test track in Italy track, where all Alfa Romeos have been developed, perfected and tested since 1962, to the one at the Nürburgring.

Used by car manufacturers the world over as a test and development track, the Nordschleife offers a unique configuration that alternates slow and fast curves, as well as straight stretches and undulations, to make it an outstanding testing ground for determining the soundness of a project.

In short, the 'Green Hell' proved to be the ideal place to put the performance features of the Alfa Romeo 4C to the test. This true, uncompromised driving machine delivers its best on the track, where speed, short braking distances and transverse acceleration are essential to get first‐rate lap times:  0 to 62mph in 4.5 seconds; 160mph of top speed; deceleration peaks in the range of 1.2 g; lateral acceleration peaks of over 1.1g and optimum weight distribution ‐40% over the front axle and 60% over the rear, not to mention a power-to-weight ratio of over 250hp per tonne, values worthy of true supercar.

In addition to its superb agility and phenomenal grip, credit must also be apportioned to the new 240hp 1750 Turbo Petrol engine, the latest‐generation 'ALFA TCT' dry twin clutch gearbox and the advanced Alfa D.N.A. selector with its newly-introduced “Race” mode. The new four-cylinder 1750 Turbo Petrol - with direct injection at 200 bar and an aluminium block - sets new records for torque and specific power for this size of engine, at over 200 Nm/litre (147.5 lb ft/litre) and 137hp/litre respectively, while maximum power of 240hp is reached at 6,000 rpm. The maximum torque of 350Nm (258 lb ft) ensures extraordinary elasticity and sportiness since it is maintained constant between 2,100 and 4,000 rpm with 80% of the torque already available from just 1,800 rpm.

Also contributing to the Alfa Romeo 4C's performance at the Nürburgring were the special Pirelli P Zero Trofeo tyres, the sportiest version in the Pirelli P Zero line. A record was set not only on the track, but also in the development of the tyres: It took less than one year of collaboration between Pirelli and Alfa Romeo engineers to develop of the best solution for guaranteeing grip and precision while driving of the Alfa Romeo 4C. These special 'AR' P Zero tyres, available in two sizes, 17" front and 18" rear or 18" front and 19" rear, ensure grip, performance, sportiness and precision. The 'AR Racing' tyres, offered only in 18" front and 19" rear sizes, have been developed not only with road driving in mind, but also for use on the track.