In what has been an astonishing year for the makers of some of the world’s finest vehicles, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has reported record sales in 2021, that figure a strong 49% up when compared to the same period in 2020. This fine achievement marks the highest-ever annual sales figures in the iconic marque’s illustrious 117-year history.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said, “2021 was a phenomenal year for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. We delivered more cars than at any time in the marque’s 117-year history with unprecedented demand for all products in every global market. Our extremely strong product portfolio, an exceptional Bespoke offering, together with the first full year of availability of Ghost, the launch of Black Badge Ghost in October and the continuing record demand for Bespoke personalisation, has contributed meaningfully to our extremely strong performance. This is hugely encouraging as we prepare for the historic launch of Spectre, our first all-electric car. Building on this year’s success, we will continue to evolve as a true luxury brand, beyond the realms of automotive manufacturing.”
What that translates to is an astonishing 5 586 motor cars delivered to clients around the world with all-time record sales being posted in numerous regions, including the Americas and Asia-Pacific, Greater China and various other countries across the globe. Order books are full well into the third quarter of 2022 with Ghost demand driving the growth globally, surging further following the introduction of Black Badge Ghost in Q4 of 2021.
“With the first Ghost and Black Badge Ghost units already having been delivered in South Africa, consistent and strong growth in the segment locally, as well as the continuing pre-eminence of Cullinan and our flagship, Phantom, set the scene for what will undoubtedly be another strong and exciting year for the brand in South Africa,” said Grant Dryden, General Manager at Daytona, sole importers of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in South Africa.
An all-time record was also achieved by the brand’s pre-owned Provenance Programme having also enjoyed exceptional sales results in 2021.
With Rolls‑Royce Coachbuild becoming a permanent fixture in the brand’s future portfolio, Rolls-Royce has signalled its commitment to leading a new contemporary coachbuilding movement – it would seem as though demand for unique vehicles is high, with record levels remaining for Bespoke commissions such as Phantom Tempus, Black Badge Wraith and Black Badge Dawn Landspeed Collection cars, as well as Phantom Oribe. Rolls-Royce Boat Tail proverbially broke the internet, too, when presented in May 2021.
Set to be introduced by the fourth quarter of 2023, Rolls-Royce’s first all-electric car, Spectre, was announced in 2021. With little time between now and then, engineers have embarked on the most punishing testing protocol ever conceived for a Rolls‑Royce, covering 2,5-million kilometres in all four corners of the world, simulating over 400 years of use for a Rolls-Royce.
In addition to the above, investment into Goodwood to ready it for electrification is on the horizon with a record 37 new apprentices set to join the company in September 2022, too.