Super-wealthy help Rolls-Royce sales motor on

Demand from the world’s super wealthy for fast, expensive cars helped Rolls-Royce Motor Cars glide noiselessly to a 33% increase in sales in the first half.

The record growth for the luxury car group, which sold 1,968 cars in the first six months of the year, was supported by strong revenues across the board, with European sales up 60%, Asia-Pacific up nearly 40%, the Middle East more than 30% better, while the US and China also reported double-digit growth.

Its cars sell for more than £200,000, with buyers often spending well in excess of £50,000 on customised extras and bespoke trimmings including everything from ostrich and crocodile skin upholstery to diamond-studded interiors. Its recently launched Wraith model has been a success and it will launch its Ghost Series II in the autumn.

Rolls, which makes its cars in Goodwood in West Sussex, said it had retained its “leadership for motor cars selling above €200,000. No other luxury brand sells as many cars in this segment as Rolls-Royce”.

Chief executive Torsten Müller-Ötvös said: “This is an excellent half-year result and demonstrates the continued confidence that our customers have in our company and our fine cars.”

Rolls’ strong performance helped parent BMW Group sell more than one million cars in six months for the first time.