(July 7, 2011) Rolls-Royce, builder of some of the most expensive cars in the world, reports record sales for the first half of 2011. The company said today its sales increased by 64 per cent worldwide compared with the same period in 2010, delivering 1,592 cars in the first six months.

Sales growth was seen in all regions, with a particularly strong performance in Asia Pacific, up by over 170 per cent, the Middle East, up by over 40 per cent and the United States, up by a similar amount.

In Europe, strong performance was seen in Germany, with sales up by nearly 60 per cent. There was sustained demand for both Phantom and Ghost models, with around 80 per cent of Ghost customers new to Rolls-Royce.

2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, “This is an excellent half-year result and demonstrates the confidence that our customers have in our company and our products. The first six months of the year have also seen Rolls-Royce celebrate our unique heritage, with the centenary of the Spirit of Ecstasy, and demonstrate our innovation, with the Phantom Experimental Electric, 102EX. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars continues to operate as the world’s foremost ultra luxury car manufacturer.”

Unveiled at the Geneva International Motorshow in March 2011, 102EX, also known as the Phantom Experimental Electric, is the world’s first battery electric vehicle in the ultra-luxury segment.

Designed and built to test customers’ reaction to an established alternative drive technology, 102EX is part of a wider investigation into future drive-train development for Rolls-Royce cars. Phantom Experimental Electric is a working test bed and will allow Rolls-Royce to gather feedback from owners, dealers, media representatives and other stakeholders from across the world during a global tour.