Rolls-Royce sold 3,630 cars in 2013, the company’s fourth consecutive record and an increase of 1.5% over 2012 (3,575), the carmaker announced.
Rolls-Royce, which is owned by BMW, says it plans to take on 100 more employees at its plant facility in Goodwood, Sussex, this year.
According to the company, last year’s results confirm Rolls-Royce’s “clear position as the world’s leading super-luxury brand.”
In the Middle East, sales increased last year by 17%, and 11% in China. Strong performances were also reported in Canada, Qatar, Japan and Germany. The company sold cars in over 40 countries.
The most important individual markets for Rolls-Royce luxury automobiles continue to be China, the US and the Middle East.
Rolls-Royce opening new dealerships worldwide
Fifteen new dealerships opened globally, bringing the total number to 120. The company says it plans to open new ones this year.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said:
“I stated at the beginning of last year that I wished to see further sustainable growth, I am therefore delighted with this fourth successive record year, a result that reaffirms our leadership of the super-luxury segment. This is an extraordinary British manufacturing success story borne out of a commitment to delivering only the very finest super-luxury goods.”
“I am particularly satisfied to report that this result is based on a balanced global sales picture, with continued success in emerging markets paving the way for future sustainable growth.”
Vince Cable, Rolls-Royce’s Business Secretary, 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.”
Andrew Tyrie, Member of Parliament for Chichester, which includes Goodwood where the Rolls Royce manufacturing plant is located, said “This is very good news for Britain and for my constituents. I’m delighted for Rolls-Royce and for all those who work there. It’s great to have such a centre of excellence near Chichester.”
Rolls-Royce’s new model – the Wraith – which was launched at the Geneva Motor Show, already has a strong order book, the company says.
Rolls-Royce remains at the top of the super-luxury car market, i.e. cars with a retail price above €200,000 ($271,000). No other super-luxury carmaker sells as many units per year as Rolls-Royce does.