Few names are as synonymous with luxury cars as that of Rolls-Royce. The Rolls-Royce Company was founded in 1906 but in 1998 Rolls-Royce Motor Cars was formed as a subsidiary of BMW who acquired licensing rights for the Rolls-Royce brand name.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars achieved record sales in 2019, manufacturing 5152 cars for customers across more than 50 countries. It is the brand’s best annual sales performance to date, with a 25% increase over 2018’s annual sales figure of 4107 vehicles.
A large driver of the 2019 sales growth was the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the brand’s first SUV. The Cullinan is 2020’s most expensive SUV, expertly fusing rugged performance for challenging environments with unmatched luxury.
Where are the cars made?
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars established production facilities in 2003 in Goodwood, West Sussex. While the cars produced in the facility are the undeniable stars of the show, the production facility itself is an impressive architectural feat.
The award-winning facility was designed by architect Sir Nicholas Grimshaw. It was created with minimal environmental impact in mind and features a variety of considered and innovative design features.
The main building has been set two meters below the surrounding ground level in order to help it blend into the landscape. Additionally, the building has the UK’s biggest living roof, which is covered by sedum plants that enhance the building’s insulation, lower rainwater runoff, and serve as camouflage for the building.
Goodwood also nods to the brand’s history. One of the Rolls-Royce founders, Sir Henry Royce, lived in the nearby village of West Wittering until his death in 1933.
The first car to come off the Goodwood production line in 2003 was the Phantom. The production facilities initially produced one Rolls-Royce Phantom per day, though by the end of 2003 three Phantoms were being produced per day.
Every Rolls-Royce is exclusively made at Goodwood. Each car is meticulously made by hand, with the process from initial designs to completed car taking over 450 hours per vehicle.
Each and every car is made to order, with exceptional levels of customization available. So much so, that nearly every Rolls-Royce is bespoke.
The design and customization choices are almost endless and no detail is overlooked. Customers have an astonishing 44000 different exterior paint colors they can choose from. Each new Rolls-Royce also comes with custom-designed umbrellas that can be stowed in a concealed compartment complete with its own drainage system.
When it comes to the final product, it really comes down to the customer’s specific desires. With options such as dashboard display boxes for Fabergé eggs, cashmere carpets, custom picnic hampers, handwoven fiber optic lighting, custom woodwork, and much more, it’s not hard to see how Rolls-Royce stands in a class of its own for bespoke luxury vehicles.
What models are available for sale?
Customers can enjoy Rolls-Royce luxury wherever the drive takes them, from overland adventures to metropolitan locales. Rolls-Royce caters to a variety of tastes and requirements with a sedan, convertible, coupé, and SUV options.
Rolls-Royce offers eight models for sale, including the iconic Phantom, which is the quietest Rolls-Royce cabin ever made. Customers can also choose from the Phantom Extended, the Cullinan, the Ghost, the Ghost Extended, the Wraith, the Dawn, and the Black Badge.
Which countries have the highest Rolls-Royce sales?
Rolls-Royce sells its luxury vehicles across a number of countries. However, there are distinct areas where sales are highest.
The largest market for Rolls-Royce is the USA, which accounted for about a third of its 2019 global sales. This was followed by China and Europe (with the inclusion of the UK).
Rolls-Royce has also reported record sales in countries including Japan, Qatar, Russia, and Singapore. The brand has seen demand continue to increase year-on-year since 2017 (when 3362 cars were manufactured); not surprising for a brand that can bring the ultimate luxury car dream to life.
Cars for the discerning connoisseur
Rolls-Royce thinks of its cars not as vehicles but as works of art – and they truly are. Where money is no object and customers’ imaginations are the limit, Rolls-Royce can create unparalleled artworks that just happen to move on four wheels.
Rolls-Royce cars aren’t so much made as commissioned, fitting for these premium vehicles that wouldn’t be out of place displayed in an art gallery. For the discerning car connoisseur, there’s nothing quite like the extraordinary customization levels and superior craftsmanship offered by a Rolls-Royce car.