Rolls-Royce posts record sales in 2014

Rolls-Royce sold 12 per cent more cars in 2014 than it did in 2013, its fifth successive global sales record and the highest annual figure in the company’s 111-year history.

The US was the single biggest-selling region ahead of the Middle East, Europe and China. The UK was the fourth best-selling country, with sales up 13 per cent.

Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvos attributes the sales boost to strong orders for the recently launched Ghost Series II plus demand for the high-flying Wriath coupé, which enjoyed its first full year in the market.

“We’ve broken through the 4000-unit sales level for the first time in our history,” said Müller-Ötvos, who attributed the gains to “a balanced global sales picture”. Rolls opened six new dealerships in 2014, bringing its current total to 127, and has more openings planned this year.

For the first time, every Phantom and most Ghosts and Wraiths left Rolls-Royce’s Goodwood factory with “significant” personalisation by the specialist Bespoke division. The growth of 'individualisation' has encouraged the company to create 200 new jobs over the past 18 months; the Goodwood workforce now numbers 1500 employees.

Construction is “well under way” at the new technology and logistics centre at nearby Bognor Regis, announced last September. The centre is expected to open in 2016 and to employ 200 people.