Rolls-Royce hit record sales in first quarter as wealthy demand luxury cars

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars had the best quarter in its 116-year history, setting a sales record in the first quarter, as the world’s richest amassed their $ 330,000 SUV and other models.

The luxury car company, owned by BMW, delivered 1,380 cars in the first quarter, up 62% from the same quarter in 2020, when the pandemic began to have an impact on sales and production. The quarter set a record for the company, surpassing its previous high in 2019.

The company said demand is particularly strong for Cullinan, its nearly 3-ton SUV, which starts at $ 335,000, but usually sells for over $ 400,000 with options and customizations. Sales are also strong for its new Ghost model, which starts at around $ 332,000 and has an optional LED interior roof to simulate a starry sky.

Rolls-Royce’s record quarter offers the latest sign that the world’s rich, who have added billions of dollars to their fortunes since the beginning of the pandemic due to growing markets, are ready to spend. Other state-of-the-art car companies, such as Bentley and Lamborghini, have also seen strong recent sales.

Rolls-Royce said demand continues to be strong “with order books extending into the second half of 2021.”

“We have responded to recent challenges with our usual boldness, imagination and inventiveness, backed by careful planning and a relentless focus on the needs and requirements of our customers,” CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos said in a statement.