Rolls-Royce sells record number of cars in 2014January 6, 2015 - 21:11 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Rolls-Royce Motor Cars sold a record number of cars last year, breaking through the 4,000 mark for the first time in its 111-year history, BBC News reports. The luxury car maker sold 4,063 cars, up 12% on last year, and marking the fifth consecutive year of record sales. Sales in the US increased by almost a third, by 40% in Europe and in the Middle East by 20%, the firm said. Its Wraith model and strong orders for its new Ghost Series II helped drive the strong performance. The firm said it sold more cars worth more than €200,000 than any of its rivals, with demand for bespoke customization remaining high. "A record number of customers spent personal one-on-one time with Rolls-Royce's Bespoke design consultants commissioning their personalized vehicles," it said. Chief executive Torsten Muller-Otvos told the BBC's Today program that about 80% of its buyers were entrepreneurs and business owners, with the remainder celebrities. He said the firm's strong performance was helped by its emphasis on ensuring a "balanced global sales picture", meaning overall demand remained strong. He also said the firm was "mulling" creating a four-wheel drive SUV vehicle. The company, which is owned by Germany's BMW and based in West Sussex, said it had created 200 new permanent jobs over the past 18 months to meet the strong demand, employing more than 1,500 people. Related links: Top stories Yerevan has dismissed Turkey’s demand to shut down the Armenian nuclear power plant as “inappropriate”. Armenia will loan 2.9 billion drams to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), according to a draft government decision. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has “strongly condemned” Armenia’s decision. Kerobyan has said that for the first time in the history of Armenia, the volume of foreign direct investments amounted to about $1 billion. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |