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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars sees record sales in 2019
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars delivered historic annual sales in 2019, with a global performance unequalled in the company’s 116-year history. A total of 5,152 cars were delivered to customers in over 50 countries around the world, an increase of 25% on the previous high set in 2018. With these historic results, Rolls-Royce continues to make a meaningful contribution to the overall performance of its shareholder, BMW Group.
Sales grew across all regions during the year, driven by strong customer demand for all Rolls‑Royce models. The company reported significant sales growth in every one of its key global markets. North America retained top status (around a third of global sales) followed by China and Europe (including UK). Individual countries that achieved strong sales results included Russia, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Qatar and Korea.
Rolls-Royce recorded annual sales of 5,152 in 2019, the highest in the marque’s 116-year history / Picture: Rolls-Royce
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, chief executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “This performance is of an altogether different magnitude to any previous year’s sales success. While we celebrate these remarkable results we are conscious of our key promise to our customers, to keep our brand rare and exclusive. We are pleased and proud to have delivered growth of 25% in 2019. Worldwide demand last year for our Cullinan SUV has driven this success and is expected to stabilise in 2020. It is a ringing testament to the quality and integrity of our products, the faith and passion of our customers and, above all, the skill, dedication and determination of our exceptional team at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood and around the world and our dedicated global dealer network.”
In 2019, Rolls-Royce cars were sold in more than 50 countries worldwide through a global network of 135 dealerships.
At more than 2,000 strong, with 50 nationalities represented, the workforce at the Home of Rolls-Royce is now at its largest since the opening of Rolls-Royce’s Global Centre for Luxury Manufacturing Excellence in 2003. During 2019, 50 new jobs were created to meet expanded global demand.
2019 saw 50 new jobs created & significant investment at the Rolls-Royce manufacturing plant at Goodwood / Picture: Rolls-Royce
This year’s intake of 26 new entrants on the company’s highly successful apprenticeship programme included the first-ever Sir Ralph Robins Degree Apprenticeship candidates. Named after the ex-CEO of Rolls‑Royce plc, Sir Ralph has served as a non-executive director of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars since its inception in 2003.
Since the launch of the apprenticeship programme in 2006, almost 200 participants have completed a combination of hands-on practical training alongside skilled associates and vocational training at local colleges.
The year saw significant new investment in the manufacturing plant at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, reaffirming both the company’s commitment to its UK operations and its buoyant outlook for the years ahead. Projects included further refinements to the already world-class manufacturing facilities, equipment and processes, to maximise efficiency and ensure the highest levels of quality as demanded by Rolls-Royce customers. A new two-storey development, due for completion in the first quarter of 2020, will add more than 1,000 square metres to the ground floor assembly hall, and create additional first-floor office space.
Mr Müller-Ötvös concluded: “There is no other company like Rolls-Royce Motor Cars: we are all conscious of what a privilege it is to design, build and deliver the best car in the world for our customers. Personally, I continue to feel honoured and humbled to have led this great company for the past decade.”