Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has reistered a 20 per cent rise in sales in the Middle East during 2014, while it sold 4,063 cars sold globally, marking record sales for a fifth consecutive year and a four-fold rise since 2009.

Sales in North America were up 30 per cent, while Europe saw sales climbing by 40 per cent during the year.

The US remained the company’s most significant individual market. Rolls-Royce’s home market, the UK, is the company’s fourth largest individual market (up 13 per cent).

Europe saw strong growth in a number of markets with Germany up by 30 per cent, while in Asia Pacific, Australia grew by 75 per cent, Japan by 60 per cent and Korea 20 per cent. In the Middle East, highlights included Bahrain (up 50 per cent), Kuwait (up 45 per cent) and Oman (up 27 per cent). The best-selling Rolls-Royce dealership in 2014 was Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Abu Dhabi.

Emerging markets such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Vietnam all showed promising growth, a statement said.

The carmaker opened six new dealerships in 2014, including Mexico City, Calgary, Canada and Gold Coast, Australia. A total of 127 dealerships are now in operation and further expansion is planned for 2015.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, chief executive officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said: “This fifth consecutive record year saw Rolls-Royce Motor Cars break through the 4,000 car sales level for the first time in its 111-year history.”

“The result confirms that our strategy of balanced, sustainable and profitable growth is delivering and that Rolls-Royce remains the world’s leading luxury goods brand. This extraordinary success has been built on strong foundations: pinnacle products, dedicated people and a commitment to ensuring a balanced global sales picture.”

Sales were driven by strong orders for Ghost Series II, launched in November, and Wraith, which enjoyed its first full year of sales, while the incomparable Phantom remains the company’s pinnacle product.

Bespoke Collections including Waterspeed, Pinnacle Travel and Metropolitan, and unique creations such as the Maharaja Phantom Drophead Coupé contributed to Rolls Royce sustaining its leadership of the industry in the area of individualisation.

In 2014, Rolls Royce once again sold more cars in the 200,000+ euros ($238,000) net segment than any other manufacturer.

Business secretary Vince Cable said: “Rolls-Royce motor cars are famous throughout the world with increasing numbers now exported abroad. The skill and dedication of its workers here in Britain has led to another very successful year.”

“The UK’s automotive industry is thriving with a new car rolling off the production line every 20 seconds, and increasing levels of investment that’s helping to secure local jobs. Through our industrial strategy we are backing companies like Rolls-Royce Motor Cars as they go from strength to strength, giving them the right environment to invest with confidence and create high-skilled jobs,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service