Rolls-Royce celebrates 2nd highest sales mark
ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Cars bared recently that its 2015 sales were the second-highest ever recorded in its 112-year history. A total of 3,785 hand-built motor cars were commissioned by customers worldwide last year.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO, said, "Posting the second highest result in our history against a backdrop of considerable global uncertainty is an exceptional achievement. We have proven that our long-term strategy of globally balanced, sustainable and profitable growth is delivering and we have reaffirmed our position as the world's leading luxury manufacturer. I am quietly confident of a strong year in 2016."
Record sales were reported in Asia Pacific (up 13%), North America (up 6%) and the Middle East (up 4%). Individual markets that recorded record results included Korea (up 73%), India (up 36%), Qatar (up 21%), Japan (up 7%), USA (up 7%) and UK (up 2%). In addition, a number of emerging markets showed promising growth. In China, significant headwinds impacted negatively on the entire luxury sector and Rolls Royce was not immune to these de- velopments. The region reported sales down 54% compared to 2014.
Sales were driven by the enduring success of Wraith and Ghost family motor cars in attracting a younger generation of customers to the marque, whilst Phantom remains the company's pinnacle product globally, reaffirming its status as the world's most desirable super-luxury good. In 2015, Rolls-Royce once again sold more cars in the + 200,000 net segment than any other manufacturer, maintaining a position it has held unchallenged over the last decade.
As part of the marque's commitment to long-term sustainable growth, Rolls-Royce announced five new dealerships during 2015. This brings the global dealership network to 130, with further expansion planned for 2016. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Abu Dhabi was the best-selling Rolls-Royce dealership for the third consecutive year.
British Prime Minister, David Cameron, during a visit to the Home of Rolls-Royce in February 2015, declared Rolls-Royce Motor Cars to be "a great British manufacturing success story".