Record sales at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars to generate 100 new jobs

The company, which is celebrating its 110th year, reported strong sales growth in many international regions, with notable results seen in the Middle East (up 17%) and China (up 11%) while Germany, Japan and Canada also produced strong results.

China and the United States remained the most significant individual markets for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars with the marque selling its cars in more than 40 countries worldwide, expanding into new markets such as Istanbul, Beirut, Lagos, Hanoi, Taichung and Manila.

As part of the company’s focus on long-term sustainable growth, significant dealer development increased during the year as 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, primarily in the manufacturing areas, at the Rolls Royce base in Goodwood. This is in addition to 100 new jobs announced in July 2013. More than 1300 people are now employed by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars worldwide.

“My aim at the beginning of last year was sustained growth and another sales record. I am delighted to announce our sales for 2013 and to celebrate the 110th anniversary of the marque with an historic record result”, said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “We have reported a strong year and have maintained our position at the pinnacle of the super-luxury market. Rolls-Royce is a British manufacturing success story, with a dedicated workforce that is second to none.”

Commenting on the result, 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.”

In an interview with BBC Radio 5 today, Mr Muller-Otvos also mentioned the possibility of the car manufacturer expanding into the growing 4×4 market, however nothing was a certainty just yet.

“We have started processes to look at new designs (for 4×4 vehicles) and first ideas, but there are no firm plans yet to say this is what we will do,” he told the BBC.

Last year also marked another record for the Rolls-Royce Bespoke personalisation programme, a service with Rolls-Royce’s hand-craftsmanship and attention to detail at its core. 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.

Celebrating Rolls-Royce’s 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.