Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced at Auto China 2008 today that, after record sales last year, the company is on course for expansion in the Asia Pacific region.

China
The company has confirmed that it is in the process of appointing new dealers in Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Ningbo. Currently, Rolls-Royce has showrooms in Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Last year, China was the largest market for Rolls-Royce in the Asia Pacific region, and the third largest in the world, producing record sales and over 50 per cent growth compared to the previous year.

Vietnam and India
Outside China, Rolls-Royce is expanding with new dealerships at Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam and New Delhi.  This will be the second dealership in India, following the opening of Mumbai in 2006.

The expansion plan will increase the number of Rolls-Royce showrooms in the Asia Pacific region from 13 to 17.

Ian Robertson, Chairman and CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, “Last year saw record sales for Asia Pacific, one of the most dynamic regions in the world for Rolls-Royce. Sales increased by over 30 per cent compared to the previous year.  China remains an important source of growth. This year, we are optimistic of continued success in the region with the introduction of the new Phantom Coupé.”

Mr Robertson unveiled the Phantom Coupé at Auto China 2008, the first time the new car has been seen in the Asia Pacific region. Production of the new model will begin at the company’s manufacturing plant at Goodwood, England in the summer.

The Coupé is the most driver-orientated model in the Phantom line-up. The two-door, four-seater model has seen outstanding demand already with this year’s production sold and an order bank well into three figures.

More than two thirds of the orders placed for the car are from customers who have never owned a Rolls-Royce before, demonstrating the expanding appeal of the brand and its new model line-up.

Successful first quarter
Global sales of Rolls-Royce cars continue to perform strongly. Compared to the same period last year, Rolls-Royce Phantom sales were up by 62 per cent in the first quarter of this year.

Looking to the future, a new model series, currently named RR4, is now under engineering development and due for launch in 2010. It will be powered by a new engine, unique to Rolls-Royce.