Rolls-Royce expands dealer network
In the face of robust sales that show no signs of slowing, Rolls-Royce continues to expand its global dealer network. Since 2003, that number has risen by 10 to 74. Recently, dealers have set up shop in locations as diverse as Denver and Pakistan.
The company moved almost 800 cars last year, all of them Phantoms in either standard or long-wheelbase guise (because, you know, that standard 19-foot-long car is just too cramped inside). Expectations at Rolls are that it'll meet or surpass that number this year. Beyond that, the coming addition of the 100EX-based convertible (and possibly a 101EX-inspired coupe after that?) should help keep sales lively.
The long-wheelbase car, which is apparently selling well everywhere else, will make it into US showrooms by the end of the year, giving the well-heeled more room to cool their ... uh ... heels.
(Press release after the jump)
[Source: Rolls-Royce]
EXPANDING WORLDWIDE DEALER NETWORK
29 June 2006
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has recently expanded its worldwide dealer network reflecting the continued success of the Phantom and the forthcoming launch of the convertible model in 2007. There are now 74 Rolls-Royce dealers worldwide (up from 64 in 2003), representing 32 different countries. The most recent dealer openings have been in Oman, Pakistan and Denver, USA and a new showroom recently opened in Mumbai, India.
Ian Robertson, Chairman and CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: "Last year we sold almost 800 cars, a 15 year sales high for the brand and we expect to see a similar number again this year. The Phantom continues to lead its market sector, outselling its closest rivals by a substantial margin."
The most recent addition to the Rolls-Royce line-up – the Phantom with extended wheelbase – is selling strongly. Built initially for the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions, it was launched earlier this year in Europe and will be available in the US by the end of 2006. Demand for this new model is running at around double the expected rate.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
GH 4:48PM (6/29/2006)
Here, Here for Rolls-Royce. There was a time after the Bentley split up that things looked conservatively stale for Rolls-Royce. But thanks to BMW know-how, the marque is wafting nicely.
http://www.automobilesdeluxe.blogspot.com
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wookie 4:58PM (6/29/2006)
These guys really build the land yachts!!
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MCS05 5:01PM (6/29/2006)
one of the detroit pistons that leaves near me has one. i follow him down M-24 occasionally (my office is near the palace), there is no mistaking that car for anything else. my mini looks like a toy compared to the roller.
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Ian 5:09PM (6/29/2006)
It's s real shame. RR through the years produced some of the most beautiful cars ever. Now they are a mocking parody on themselves. Man they are ugly cars:(
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PJ 8:17PM (6/29/2006)
I certainly wouldn't call the Phantom "attractive," and it's about as far from my tastes in cars as you can get. But I will admit to admiring what R-R did with the styling. Its heavy, blocky fenders, upright stance, and massive scale remind me of the turn-of-the-century Silver Ghost. The grille caps off the heritage look.
Cry blasphemy if you must...
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Eddie 10:23PM (6/29/2006)
The phantom is an unbelievable car. Sure, maybe not as shapely as a 911, but it is unique in it's own right and has it's own presence that nothing else has.
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Richard Warren 11:30PM (6/29/2006)
Look! It's a Chrysler Imperial!
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David W 2:03AM (6/30/2006)
Somehow I agree with all the comments above. I both like and dislike the current Rolls. When I walk into one of the new Rolls-Royce showrooms to admire their cars it doesn't feel the same as the old dealerships. The salesmen seem more like the traditional car salesmen that you would find at any other dealership. I had one salesman approach me and begin to tell me about a fellow I know who was looking at a new Rolls and how much it listed for. I explained to him I really didn't believe that was any of my business. That would have never happend at one of the old Rolls-Royce dealerships. I hope the class isn't gone.
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Jim in Tampa 8:19AM (6/30/2006)
ROFLMAO @ Richard Warren!
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Richard Allen Farmer 5:14PM (10/17/2006)
What is ROFLMAO? Is this an acronym?
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