Rolls-Royce celebrates best sales in 117 years

Rolls-Royce has confirmed that it has just had the best sales year in its 117-year history, shifting 5586 cars globally in 2021 – 1836 more than in 2020.

Shrugging off both the ongoing effects of the COVID pandemic and the semi-conductor shortage, Rolls-Royce managed to beat its previous 2019 high by an impressive 461 sales.

Setting new records in almost all its regions, high demand for all five of its current models was attributed to the bumper volume.

The new 5586 number is evidence, Rolls-Royce claims, that it is now the "undisputed leader in the plus €250K ($A395K) segment".

The ultra-luxury British brand did not give a model breakdown of the new sales record but says its strong growth was "driven principally" by its newest model, the Rolls-Royce Ghost limousine, and bolstered further by October's market launch of the sportier Ghost Black Badge.

The company said steady sales of the larger Phantom and Cullinan SUV would continue the success well into the third quarter of 2022.

In Australia, Rolls-Royce sold 48 vehicles, six more than in 2020. This was made up of 20 coupe/convertible models, 13 limousines and 15 examples of the Cullinan.

Thanks to strong demand, Rolls-Royce's Goodwood factory is now running at maximum capacity on a two-shift pattern, although lead times for most models remain at around one year.

It's thought lack of supply and those lengthy waiting lists are also fuelling demand for the brand's official pre-approved Provenance business.

One-off bespoke commissions also remain a "record levels", Rolls-Royce said.

The hallowed car-maker is expanding its personalisation division to include a coachbuilding service, which was launched with a one-of-one $36 million Boat Tail.

Off the back of demand for its seven-figure creations like the Boat Tail and the earlier 2017 Sweptail, Rolls-Royce says it remains committed to producing a completely bespoke model every two years.

Following its sales triumph Rolls-Royce said it will reinvest in its manufacturing HQ, new tooling, employ more staff and recruit a team of 37 new apprentices.

The next model line to be launched, the British car-maker confirmed, would be the all-electric Rolls-Royce Spectre coupe that's due to land towards the end of 2023.

As part of its development, the Spectre has already undergone almost 2.5 million kilometres in testing, which is said to be the equivalent of 400 years of use.

Rolls' record sales result comes just days after its chief rival, Bentley, announced that it too had set new highs for volumes, shifting 14,695 cars globally last year.

Commenting on the sales result, Rolls-Royce boss 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,” he said.