2021 has proven to be a spectacular year for Rolls-Royce as the company has delivered the highest-ever annual sales results in its 117-year history. A total of 5,586 motor cars were delivered to clients around the world — this figure represented a 49 per cent increase on the same period in 2020.
The record-breaking sales is the result of high demands across the different markets including Greater China, the Americas and Asia-Pacific. According to the Financial Times: “Growth was led by China and the Americas, which each accounted for about 30 per cent of sales, Europe 20 per cent and the Middle East 10 per cent.”
The marque’s profile of cars all achieved exceptional results. The growth in 2021 was primarily driven by the Ghost and the demand grew even strong following the launch of the Black Badge Ghost — a darker and more powerful alter-ego of the Ghost. Not to mention, the Cullinan remains to be a favourite amongst many devotees of the brand as well as the Phantom. Together, all the different models “ensured order books are full well into the third quarter of 2022.”
With such formidable sales results, Rolls-Royce has cemented itself as the king of luxury cars — in the +€250k segment. At the heart of any luxury brand is the creation of bespoke, one-of-a-kind products. To cater to this segment, the Goodwood-based car manufacture has introduced the Rolls-Royce Coachbuild, a collaboration between its patron and artisan. The Boat Tail launched in May last year exemplifies this new commitment.
Other magnificent examples of the marque’s bespoke commissions include the Phantom Oribe co-created with Hermès, Phantom Tempus, Black Badge Wraith and Black Badge Dawn Landspeed Collection cars.
2021 was also a year that saw many car brands pursuing electrification with their fleet of vehicles. At Rolls-Royce, the company has announced its first all-electric car Spectre, which will be launched in the fourth quarter of 2023. The company is also planning to go fully electric by 2030, phasing out combustion engines altogether.
Moving forward, the company is planning to invest in its manufacturing capabilities for the future and also in new talents. This is so that the craftsmanship is not lost but is continuedly improved on to meet the needs of what is to come.
Reflecting on the results, CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös said, “This has been a truly historic year for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. In the past 12 months, we have recorded our highest-ever annual sales, launched the latest addition to our Black Badge family, stunned the world with our coachbuilding capabilities and made huge strides into our all-electric future.”
“As always, it has been made possible by the dedication and commitment of the extraordinary people at the Home of Rolls-Royce, our international team and our global dealer network. I wish to extend my thanks and congratulations to each and every one of them: it is my privilege and pleasure to work alongside them every day.”