Rolls-Royce Motor Cars sees further growth opportunities in India as it assesses the implications of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with a new generation of wealthy entrepreneurs emerging as an important customer base for the British ultra-luxury carmaker. The company has recorded double-digit growth in India over the past four years and expects demand to remain strong.
Julian Jenkins said the agreement marked an important development for the automotive industry, although Rolls-Royce was still examining its implications for the business. He did not indicate whether the company would revise vehicle prices following the reduction in import duties.
“We see opportunity in the Indian market. I think the generation of wealth that we are seeing through a new group of entrepreneurs resonates very well with Rolls-Royce and their desire to engage with our brand,” Jenkins said. “I think the FTA is a significant moment in the history not just for the UK but also for the Indian automotive business as well. We are still working the details out at the moment and I think the future looks very positive and we are very committed to the Indian market.”
The agreement provides for a phased reduction in automotive import tariffs, although the extent of any benefit to individual Rolls-Royce models remains unclear. Asked whether uncertainty over duties and currency movements was complicating the company’s pricing and order process, Jenkins pointed to the individually commissioned nature of its vehicles.
“Every Rolls-Royce is bespoke and therefore the pricing is bespoke. So each is really on its individual specification in its own commissions and then of course in its own pricing and ongoing tax,” he said. Jenkins added that the intrinsic value of a Rolls-Royce continued to be measured by its craftsmanship and heritage rather than changes in taxation.
On whether prospective customers were delaying purchases while awaiting clarity on the FTA, Jenkins said the company remained in regular contact with its clients. Several commissions were already under development through its global network of Private Offices, including the office serving the region.
“Some of the most complex projects and commissions that we’re seeing are originating from this market,” he said.
India’s New Generation of Rolls-Royce Buyers
India has emerged as a growing market for Rolls-Royce, supported by wealth creation among entrepreneurs, technology business owners and start-up founders. Jenkins said the company had recorded double-digit growth over the past four years, although its approach remained focused on the value of individual commissions rather than increasing sales volumes.
“We’ve seen a double-digit growth in India over the last four years and I think every indicator suggests that we are likely to see a continued growth in this market,” he said. “We don’t chase volume. Rolls-Royce, we are value over volume.”
Jenkins said younger Indian customers were increasingly seeking cars that reflected their personal histories, achievements and cultural identities. He drew a parallel with the Indian Maharajas of the early twentieth century, who were among the pioneers of bespoke Rolls-Royce commissions.
That influence continues through the use of distinctive materials, bolder colours and design elements inspired by India’s cultural heritage. Jenkins said, “There is such rich storytelling in India that our clients want to be a part or want to share that story for generations to come."
Retail Expansion and Spectre
Rolls-Royce currently has dealerships in Delhi and Chennai, along with authorised workshops in Mumbai and Hyderabad. Asked whether the company would consider establishing a national sales company in India, similar to Bentley, Jenkins said its existing dealer partners were meeting customer requirements.
He did not rule out further expansion, although any decision would depend on demand. Rolls-Royce also engages with Indian clients internationally, reflecting the fact that many own homes and vehicles in multiple countries.
On electrification, Jenkins said Spectre was the company’s second best-selling model globally in 2025 and had continued to perform strongly this year. He indicated that the first Spectre Series II would arrive in India in November.
“With luxury, it is all about choice. We have the finest V12 and we now have an electric powertrain,” Jenkins said. He argued that electric propulsion suited the characteristics associated with Rolls-Royce, including silence, instant torque and ride comfort, with some customers choosing to own vehicles with both powertrains.
Asked whether the exclusion of electric vehicles from the initial five years of tariff concessions under the India-UK FTA could affect Spectre’s prospects, Jenkins said the company would have to see how the market developed.
He nevertheless remained confident about demand for the electric coupe, particularly among younger customers, and highlighted Black Badge Spectre as the most powerful Rolls-Royce produced by the company.
“It’s a Rolls-Royce first and an electric second,” he said, when asked whether Spectre customers were primarily buying into the brand or electric mobility.
Technology and Long-term Ownership
With software and artificial intelligence becoming increasingly important in vehicle development, Jenkins said Rolls-Royce would continue integrating technology selectively, guided by customer requirements. The company sees applications for AI in engineering, analysis and quality assurance, while retaining human craftsmanship as a defining characteristic of its vehicles.
“In this digital world, the differentiator is the human touch. That’s what creates the special character of a Rolls-Royce,” he said.
Jenkins also pointed to Spectre’s 15-year warranty and battery replacement support extending to 2056 as evidence of the company’s commitment to long-term ownership. He said Rolls-Royce would consider additional AI-enabled features inside its vehicles where customers saw value in them, rather than introducing technology for its own sake.