Rolls Royce Struggles To Meet Demand
Despite the lackluster sales of automobiles in general, the luxury automaker Rolls Royce seems to be having no problem selling their lavish cars - in fact that’s the problem. Driven by the economic growth in developing countries (*cough* China) and an influx of people entirely too much money, RR hopes to increase production and expand their line-up.
“This year we should sell 100 cars in China while last year the figure was just 71. That’s not bad when you consider we had not sold a single Rolls-Royce vehicle in China prior to 2003.” Simon Robertson, chairman of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
Earlier this year, reports showed Rolls Royce an astonishing 22% over last year’s sales. In fact, sales have been so strong that the Phantom Drophead Coupe is backordered all the way to the end of 2008. Having already added shifts, increased working hours and hiring 300 people at it’s manufacturing plant in Goodwood, England - it just isn’t enough.
Add to that plans to build a new coupe be based on the 101EX concept unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show last year and an all-new sedan to be positioned somewhere below the Phantom lineup, all within the next couple years, and you’ve got some good problems to have. Especially for a company who’s entry level vehicle starts at around $300,000.