Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has reported one other yr of document gross sales, bolstered by a restoration in China and the launch of its new all-electric Spectre mannequin.
The Goodwood-based agency, which is owned by BMW, mentioned 6,032 automobiles had been delivered to clients in 2023 – a slight uptick on the earlier 12 months.
The efficiency was pushed, the corporate mentioned, by demand for its current Cullinan, Ghost and Phantom marques, with patrons all securing a level of individuality for his or her automobiles below its rising Bespoke programme.
A burgeoning Coachbuild operation additionally permits for the client to be concerned in each stage of the design and manufacturing course of.
The highest variety of gross sales had been achieved in North America, with Greater China following after a tricky 2022 amid a lag within the lifting of COVID pandemic restrictions on the earth’s second-largest economic system.
The UK remained the agency’s largest European market.
Rolls-Royce ceased manufacturing of Wraith and Dawn fashions in 2023 in favour of its new Spectre mannequin.
The firm’s first all-electric automobiles had been shipped within the autumn, it mentioned, with out giving any figures.
The milestone marked the beginning of a shift that may see Rolls produce solely absolutely electrical automobiles by the tip of 2030.
It employed an extra 180 workers final yr and is planning to develop its Goodwood operations to assist obtain this ambition.
The agency’s fortunes distinction sharply with the broader motorized vehicle sector as clients of Rolls are largely excessive internet price people unlikely to be affected by value of dwelling and different pressures reminiscent of hikes to borrowing prices which have impacted demand on the excessive quantity producers.
Figures launched by the Society for Motor Manufacturers (SMMT) on Friday confirmed that whereas the variety of new automobiles registered within the UK grew by round 18% final yr, the increase got here from companies investing in massive fleets.
Growth in non-public registrations was flat.
Chief government of Rolls, Chris Brownridge, succeeded Torsten Müller-Ötvös following his retirement on the finish of November final yr.
He mentioned of the corporate’s efficiency: “2023 was another extraordinary year for Rolls-Royce, with strong sales performances in all regions and across the full product portfolio.
“It’s particularly encouraging to see the big curiosity in and demand for Spectre, supporting the choice to undertake a daring, ‘all-electric’ technique for future mannequin improvement and manufacturing.
“The record level of Bespoke commissions, both by volume and value, also underlines our position within the luxury sector, offering our clients opportunities for self-expression and personalisation they cannot find anywhere else.”
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He added: “As incoming CEO, I’m in the extremely fortunate position of taking over responsibility for a business in robust good health, with strong foundations and a clear strategy for growth and development, formidable technical capabilities and a focused, dedicated team.
“I’m trying ahead to working with your entire Rolls-Royce workforce to keep up this momentum and take this nice firm ahead with confidence and conviction.”
Source: information.sky.com”