A total of 3,785 hand-built vehicles were commissioned by customers worldwide in 2015. Record sales were reported in the Asia Pacific region (+13%), the Middle East (+4%) and North America (+6%).
Individual record results include Korea (+73%), Qatar (+21%), Japan and the U.S (+7% for both countries), the UK (+2%) and Russia (+1%). Significant headwinds had a negative impact on the entire luxury sector in China, also affecting Rolls‑Royce. The region reported a 54% drop in sales compared to 2014.
According to the company’s statement, sales were driven by the enduring success of Wraith and Ghost family motor cars, and Phantom remaining the company’s pinnacle product globally, reaffirming its status as the world’s most desirable super-luxury good. Once again, Rolls-Royce sold more cars in the +€200,000 net segment in 2015 than any other automotive manufacturer, maintaining its unchallenged position over the last decade.
The recent completion of its new 30,000m² Technology and Logistics Centre (TLC) at Bognor Regis, UK, marked the first phase of major future investment. Significant building and expansion work also continues at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, where the company is investing heavily in a new single-line manufacturing system that will drive the marque’s highly innovative long-term product strategy.
“2015 was a year of tremendous challenge for the entire luxury industry. I am very proud of our success, which was achieved against a backdrop of considerable global uncertainty. We have proven that our long-term strategy of globally balanced, sustainable and profitable growth is delivering and we have maintained our position as the world’s leading luxury manufacturer. I am quietly confident of a strong year in 2016”, said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO, Rolls-Royce.
“Leather is specified in 99.9% of all our new cars and is a key component of every car we make,” Brian Staite, General Manager-Leathershop, told ILM during an exclusive visit to the Goodwood site in July 2015. A business information report, focusing on Rolls-Royce’s Leathershop in Goodwood and the brand’s bespoke service can be found in the July/August edition of ILM.
