Fresh off the back of a record year for sales in 2012, and celebrating its tenth anniversary of being under BMW ownership, Rolls-Royce is dropping a few hints about its all-new model, due to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in a few weeks' time.Well, make that a very few hints. There is as yet no official word on what type of car this will be, only that it will be "the most dynamic and powerful model in Rolls-Royce's history" and that it will revive a name first used by Rolls in 1938... the Wraith.Cool name, and it's a model that could break the Rolls mould. Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, confirmed the news at the company’s World Dealer Conference in London this morning.
“Rolls-Royce Wraith will draw superlatives when it is unveiled in Geneva,” he explained to representatives of the 100-strong global dealer network. “Expect the boldest design, the most dramatic performance and the most powerful Rolls-Royce that has ever played host to the famous Spirit of Ecstasy figurine. We will present a model whose starting point is luxury, refinement and exclusivity, traits that have made Rolls-Royce the world’s pinnacle luxury good for the last 108 years. This is a car not only defined by a timeless elegance, but one that encapsulates a sense of power, style and drama."
Now, it would be easy to assume that the Wraith will simply be another spin-off from the existing Phantom or Ghost architecture, and it's well known that Rolls has both coupe and convertible versions of the Ghost in the pipeline. Or, it could be something more significant. A replacement for the Phantom, perhaps? Or possibly even a sportier, more affordable (by Rolls standards at any rate) rival to Bentley's big-selling Continental GT? Or, horror of horrors, Rolls' first SUV?
We'll be getting further teaser images and updates between now and the car's official unveiling at Geneva, so we'll keep you posted.
On 1 January 2003 the new home of Rolls-Royce officially opened for business and the first car was presented to its delighted customer at one minute past midnight.
Described at the time as ‘the last great adventure in automotive history’, production of Phantom was initially one car per day, rising to three by the end of 2003. Today, with a product range spanning two model families (Phantom and Ghost) and six models, the company’s craftsmen and women hand-build up to 20 cars each day. In 2011, Rolls-Royce celebrated a second consecutive sales record and the best result in the company’s then 107-year history.
The response to the company’s portfolio from customers, media and enthusiasts has been overwhelmingly positive throughout the company’s first ten years of business. Each new model has been warmly welcomed and attracted worldwide acclaim, with the cars winning many design and luxury awards. The company’s growing dealer network provides the same unique and effortless customer ownership experience across the world, with superlative customer service offered as standard.
The unequalled quality of all Rolls-Royce motor cars built at the company’s manufacturing plant has been recognised by the media from the very beginning. And bringing the story up to date, the launch of Phantom Series II in 2012, for example, was met with the highest acclaim.Starting with a workforce of less than 400, there are now more than 1,400 people employed at the Goodwood-based manufacturing plant and head office. More than 100 new positions were created in 2012 alone. The company has invested heavily in future talent, with thriving apprenticeship, graduate and intern programmes. More than 80% of employees live locally (within 15 miles) and staff turnover is one of the lowest in the manufacturing industry.
The company makes a significant positive economic impact to the local area and, with more than 90% of cars exported, to the British economy. Investment has also extended to the site, with a major new extension to the manufacturing area currently nearing completion. This is to help the company meet further growth in worldwide sales and satisfy demand for highly personalised Ghost and Phantom models.
“Rolls-Royce is a great manufacturing success story and I am very proud to celebrate 10 Years of Excellence," said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “The renaissance of the world’s most famous automotive brand and the creation and development of the Home of Rolls-Royce has been an extraordinary and successful journey. I applaud the Rolls‑Royce team at Goodwood and across the world for their passion and together we can look forward to the next ten years with great optimism.”
