Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has witnessed 25 per cent jump in car sales in 2007 when compared to 2006, with retails of 1010 cars.

This is the first time that annual sales has touched four-figure mark  and the fourth successive sales increase since the company was launched in 2003, said a top company official.

"There was strong demand for all Phantom models, with the four door versions (Phantom and Phantom Extended Wheelbase) remaining the best sellers and accounting for 75 per cent of the total," said Ian Robertson, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chairman and Chief Executive.

"However, it was the exceptional demand for the new Phantom Drophead Coupé, launched in the summer, which drove the sales volume up," he added.

North America remained the biggest single market for Rolls-Royce in 2007, accounting for 40 per cent of sales and showing growth of 22 per cent.

"However, exceptional performances were seen in the United Arab Emirates and in China which grew by around 70 and 50 per cent respectively," Robertson pointed out. 

He said Abu Dhabi saw the highest annual increase, with sales more than doubling.

“It confirms Rolls-Royce as the most desirable brand in the super luxury market and is a credit to the passion and dedication of our teams at Goodwood and around the world. The customer reaction to the Drophead Coupé has been astonishing, exceeding all our expectations,” he added.

Production capacity at Goodwood was maximised by working extended shifts.

“Everybody at Rolls-Royce is delighted with this tremendous result which marks our fifth anniversary in the best possible way,” said Robertson.

The Rolls-Royce dealer network expanded to 80 in 2007, with new showrooms including St Petersburg, Kiev and Dresden.

The top selling dealers worldwide in 2007 were, Beverly Hills, London, Abu Dhabi, Tokyo and Dubai.

Looking ahead in 2008, Rolls-Royce has announced its intention to launch a two-door coupé model, based on the Phantom, in the summer.

Further into the future a new Rolls-Royce model series, to sit alongside the Phantom models, will be launched in 2010, currently named RR4.-TradeArabia News Service