Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has achieved another year of record-breaking sales, with a notable contribution from its all-electric Spectre model and a recovery in the Chinese market. The luxury car manufacturer, based in Goodwood and owned by BMW, reported delivering 6,032 vehicles to customers in 2023, a slight increase from the previous year.
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The sales performance was attributed to strong demand for existing models such as Cullinan, Ghost, and Phantom. Customers increasingly sought individuality for their cars through Rolls-Royce’s growing Bespoke program.
The Bespoke program, along with a growing Coachbuild operation, allows customers to be involved in every stage of the design and production process, enhancing the exclusivity of Rolls-Royce vehicles.
North America recorded the highest number of sales, followed by Greater China. China’s sales rebounded after facing challenges in 2022 due to COVID pandemic restrictions.
The UK remained the largest European market for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
Rolls-Royce transitioned to an all-electric future with the launch of its Spectre model in 2023. The company aims to produce only fully electric cars by the end of 2030.
The company hired an additional 180 staff in 2023 and plans to expand its operations in Goodwood to support its ambitious goals.
Rolls-Royce’s success stands in contrast to the broader motor vehicle sector, as its high-net-worth customer base is less impacted by economic pressures affecting mass-market manufacturers.
The Society for Motor Manufacturers (SMMT) reported that while the UK saw an 18% growth in new car registrations, the increase was largely driven by businesses investing in large fleets, with private registrations experiencing flat growth.
Rolls-Royce’s new Chief Executive Officer, Chris Brownridge, expressed optimism about the company’s robust health, clear growth strategy, technical capabilities, and dedicated team. He highlighted the strong performance of Spectre and the growing interest in the Bespoke program as positive indicators for the luxury brand’s future.