Dubai: The Middle East markets, Abu Dhabi and Dubai in particular, combined to record the highest growth rate among all regions as Rolls-Royce Motor Cars recorded its fourth successive record year to tally 3,630 units worldwide in 2013. This region — arguably one of the most profitable for the carmaker given the extensive bespoke services customers need here - accounted for around 20 per cent of the total [sales].
“I had said early last year that the US and China were the biggest pillars for Rolls-Royce — what the Middle East achieved during the period has been fantastic and all the [individual] markets performed nicely,” Torsten Muller-Otvos, chief executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said in a phone interview from London.
“This result is based on a balanced global sales picture… with continued success in emerging markets paving the way for future sustainable growth.”
In 2012, the UK marque had sold 3,575 units globally, with Abu Dhabi figuring among the top three. Last year’s numbers — China volumes were up 11 per cent and putting to rest earlier in the year concerns that its auto market was getting tight — reaffirm its dominance in the super-luxury category where units are valued at 200,000 euros plus.
This year, Muller-Otvos sees all of the key global markets as offering good tidings for the brand, which will also be helped by the full-year sales of the powerful Wraith coupe, the newest car in the stable and the first units of which were delivered in fourth quarter 2013.
Rolls-Royce had tested out the possibilities that bespoke top-ups offered through its Middle East dealerships. The concept has now been successfully rolled out in other key territories, most notably in China, according to the chief executive.
