Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has proudly announced a historic milestone in its 119-year brand history, achieving record-breaking sales of 6,032 vehicles across 50 countries worldwide in the previous year.
The esteemed automaker shattered its records for new car sales in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Middle East regions, witnessing sales growth in most global markets. The United States and China ranked as the first and second largest markets, respectively, were the primary drivers of this remarkable performance. Notably, the Asia-Pacific region achieved unprecedented annual sales figures, bolstered by the impressive growth of the Korean market, which is rapidly expanding its luxury sector thanks to its dynamic and robust economy.
In terms of specific models, the Cullinan continued its reign as the best-selling Rolls-Royce in 2023, following its success in 2022. Meanwhile, in the Asia-Pacific region, the Ghost emerged as the top-selling model, while the Phantom retained its prestigious position as the brand’s flagship model.
The brand’s first fully electric model, the Spectre, which started delivering to its first customers in the fourth quarter of last year, recorded high order volumes worldwide, particularly noticeable demand from younger customers. Currently, Spectre orders are backlogged until 2025.
In addition, Rolls-Royce’s signature Bespoke program also achieved record order volumes and amounts. Demand for high-end bespoke models requiring high technical skills and creativity was particularly noticeable in the Middle East.
Among the bespoke projects completed last year, many were brand-first attempts, including the Phantom Syntopia, which introduced bespoke scents to the interior for the first time in Rolls-Royce history. In addition, they expanded the horizon regarding materials, craftsmanship, technological innovation, and creativity by introducing new models like the ‘Droptail’ from the brand’s top custom-made method, Coachbuild.
Rolls-Royce is focusing on bespoke in the long term. Powered by the steadily increasing demand for bespoke, they opened the world’s first Private Office, a bespoke experience space, in Dubai in July 2022, followed by another in Shanghai, China, last year. This year, they plan to establish private offices in Seoul and North America to support customers who want to enjoy more luxurious and specialized experiences.
Chris Brownridge, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, remarked on the company’s significant growth in 2023, noting solid sales across all product lines globally. He highlighted the encouraging interest and demand for the Spectre, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to an electrification strategy for future model development and production. Additionally, Brownridge pointed out that bespoke orders reached record highs in volume and value, further cementing Rolls-Royce’s status in the luxury sector.
Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce is significantly contributing to the local and UK national economy. According to a study by the London School of Economics (LSE) research team, the total contribution of Rolls-Royce to the UK economy since 2003 is over 4 billion pounds, and it is currently over 500 million pounds annually.
Over 2,500 employees are working at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, UK, and they created 180 new jobs last year. Also, Goodwood serves as a hub for training and developing highly skilled artisans, engineers, and designers, nurturing over 100 apprentices and new employees, and running an internship program of a similar scale every year.
In 2023, Rolls-Royce announced a new investment plan to modernize and upgrade its manufacturing facilities. This plan aims to strengthen Rolls-Royce’s bespoke and Coachbuild capabilities and support the expansion of its future pure electric vehicle portfolio.
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