An owner of a Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe could end up cashing out $100,000 to fix damages caused by leaving the top down on his ultra-expensive luxury car. Many walking by the Drophead Coupe parked outside a cafe stopped to record some footage of the car being soaked with the top down.

John Barsoumian, owner of Car Interior Plus in Sydney, said the rain could have damaged leather seats, carpet and wood panelling.

“It could cost up to $100,000 if everything was damaged,” Barsoumian said. “You won’t know until you start assessing the damage. ”It could definitely also affect the electricals of the car and depending on the agreement and the way the car’s insured it could be written off.”

Apparently, the leather seat covers alone could cost around $40,000 to $50,000.

Check out the video after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: MSNBC

The company said that 56 percent Ghost and Ghost Extended Wheelbase models were sold with bespoke design in 2011.

“It is always our goal to exceed our clients’ highest expectations and fulfill their innermost desires,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Rolls-Royce CEO. “With highly bespoke Phantom and Ghost models, we are able to achieve this. The passion with which our bespoke craftspeople create these beautiful cars is reflected in some truly outstanding examples delivered across the globe last year.”

Rolls-Royce announced earlier this year that it is expanding its bespoke operations to meet growing demand. The company also plans on expanding its plant, partly due to the increase in bespoke cars.

- By: Omar Rana

Bentley is taking a proactive approach to its marketing as part of a battle of the ultra-luxury brands against the Maybach brand. The company is sending out letters to Maybach owners in attempts to take advantage of Maybach withdrawing to try and snatch up some of its clientele.

Famous figures such as Jay-Z, King Juan Carlos and Samuel L. Jackson should all be receiving the luxury notes, soon, as targeted high-profile Maybach owners.

Back in November, Daimler made it clear that it was on a quest to put the Maybach brand out of business. So far, Daimler says its efforts are starting to pay off, with many reaching out to the brand with negative feedback about their Maybach experience.

If Daimler doesn’t end up with the business, Rolls-Royce is certainly in a position to do so, as well. “They wanted something more exclusive than a Mercedes in the first place, so Rolls or Bentley would seem an obvious substitution,” said Michael Tyndall, an auto specialist with Barclays Capital in London.

The $380,000 starting price tag for the Maybach matches that of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, while the Bentley Mulsanne starts at $290,000 with technical extras.

Bentley may be offering up letters, factory tours and the promise of a 2015 SUV model, but Rolls-Royce says that the aggressive approach just doesn’t suit the brand’s style. While they of course welcome anyone seeking to acquire a Rolls or change brands, they don’t plan on following any warm leads anytime soon.

By: Alexandra Koken

Source AutoNews

Last year proved to be a great one for the ultra-luxury segment, with both Bentley and Rolls-Royce brands coming out with impressive sales figures, particularly Rolls-Royce, breaking its previous records.

One of the major contributors to Rolls-Royce’s success is the Phantom Dragon Edition, which the automaker is working hard to meet its demand. Not only is it a highly sought-after model, selling out in just two months, but it is also one of most expensive. At $1.2 million, the Dragon Edition costs just about $800,000 over any standard model.

China is now the number one market for Rolls-Royce, with a 33% increase in millionaires, at least in part, to thank. While Bentley plans to add an SUV to its lineup to boost appeal, Rolls-Royce will certainly be doing all it can to enhance its presence in China.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: KickingTires

Last year proved to be a strong one for Rolls-Royce as the prestigious automaker recently announced that it has reached a record high in annual sales, the highest it is 107 year history.

Up 31 percent from the previous year’s sales, 3,538 units were sold in 2011, compared to 2010’s 2,711 units delivered. The previous record, set in 1978, was for 3,347 units sold.

“We had an outstanding year in 2011 and we should take a moment to reflect on this Great British success story,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Our business is in excellent shape. We are developing our dealer network, moving into new markets like South America, expanding our manufacturing operation in West Sussex to meet global demand and have plans to develop our product range. At the core of this extraordinary success is a dedicated, committed and, above all, passionate workforce.”

The Ghost and Phantom models sales helped contribute to the overall increase, with the biggest jumps in sales found in Asia Pacific, with a 47% increase, the Middle East, up by 23%, and North America, which saw a 17% increase.

Looks like Rolls Royce is going to be tough to budge from the top of the ultra-luxury segment in upcoming years, especially with the added success of its Rolls-Royce Bespoke program.

By: Alexandra Koken

Since being unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, the 102EX underwent a tour around the world to find out whether an electrically powered Phantom could deliver a true Rolls-Royce experience.

The company said that it will reveal its market research findings in the first quarter of 2012.

Refresher: The Rolls-Royce Phantom 102EX is powered by a lithium ion battery pack and two electric motors mounted on the rear sub-frame. The two motors are connected to a single speed transmission with integrated differential. That helps it produce a total of 389-hp with a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft of torque. That allows the Rolls-Royce Phantom 102EX to go from 0 to 60 mph in under 8 seconds with a top speed of 99 mph. On a full-charge, the Rolls-Royce Phantom EE can travel up to 124 miles.

- By: Omar Rana

You might find it hard to believe that it’s not only the mass automakers that have recalls. Special uber-luxury brands like Rolls-Royce also recall vehicles once in a blue moon – as is the case today with Rolls-Royce. The brand is recalling almost 600 Ghost sedans in the Untied States due to a circuit board heating issue.

The recall comes as BMW issues one covering 32,000 8 and 12-cylinder turbo engines. The Rolls-Royce Ghost, which shares components with the BMW 7-Series and is powered by a 6.6 liter twin-turbo V8, is also being involved in the recall.

The recall consists of 1,900 2010 model-year Ghost units – 589 of those are in the United States.

Get your cars fixed!

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CNNMoney

Rolls-Royce announced today that it will be entering the South American market for the first time in its history. The company’s CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos is currently visiting the region to meet with future dealers, customers, prospects and of course the press.

“I am delighted to announce our plans for entry into the South American market,” said Muller-Otvos. “Brazil and Chile have seen impressive economic growth, with an increasing demand from discerning customers for pinnacle luxury products. Rolls-Royce is growing very successfully in a number of fast-growing emerging markets and it is therefore appropriate that we have a strong presence in Brazil and Chile.”

Rolls-Royce sales during the first nine months of 2011 have been up 41 percent. The company says there has been strong demand for both Phantom and Ghost models. The company is beefing up production at Goodwood in West Sussex to meet the increasing demand in the Ghost and Phantom.

I wonder who these people are that are demanding Ghost and Phantom model in this economy.

- By: Omar Rana

It’s a bit relieving when you here CEO’s of supercar makers tell us that their company’s will weather the economic downturn and come out strong. Even though it may not pertain to the masses, it just makes us feel like that things aren’t all that bad as they seem.

Following Porsche’s CEO’s statement this morning that he sees no downturn in the automotive industry, Rolls-Royce’s new CEO, Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes, said that he expects the ultrapremium segment is likely to weather this downturn better than it did the previous crisis.

In an interview with Automotive News Europe, Torsten gave out some interesting info as to what is in the works with Rolls-Royce in the near future.

Hit the jump for some highlights:

• Bentley is no Rolls-Royce competitor: “They (Bentley buyers) buy models of both brands. Their garages are like clothes closets, equipped for all of life’s occasions. Rolls-Royce competes with other luxury goods such as real estate, yachts, fine art and jewelry.”
• Portfolio Expansion: “I think Ghost is a model that lends itself to further derivatives in time. We have many ideas but are in no hurry. It might be a coupe; it might be a convertible or something else entirely.”
• Profitable?: Last year, we sold 2,711 vehicles. We expect 2011 to be another record year… we are a profitable company.”
• No diesels?: “…diesel could never deliver a true Rolls-Royce experience: effortless performance and, of course, silence.”
• Fear the death of the V12?: “I don’t think so. Our engines are highly efficient and our 102EX electric Phantom project is the first step in exploring the potential for alternative powertrains in the long-term.”

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

Paris’ 17th arrondissement is now the home to a new Rolls-Royce state-of-the-art showroom.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO Torsten Muller-Otovos debuted the almost 1,000 square foot showroom that displays three vehicles, a lounge for customers to customize their orders, and an espresso bar.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Paris Dealer Principal Eric Neubauer says “The investment in our new showroom underpins our successful business partnership with Rolls-Royce in France. Working with our architects we were keen to create an atmosphere befitting the Spirit of Ecstasy, as we celebrate the centenary of this famous figurine.”

The France showroom will also display photographer Rankin’s Rankin: Spirit of Ecstasy Collection work, as was a gown crafted by Alice Temperley, which was displayed at the grand opening.

Both the Phantom and Ghost models have growing sales percentages, and have recently announced an expansion project for the Goodwood manufacturing plant.

- By: Alexandra Koken

What’s more exciting then running into some very exclusive supercars on the road? Watching those supercars getting seized by police in Paris.

That’s exactly what happened to YouTube user alexsmolik who ran into a Maserati MC12, Aston Martin V8 V600 Le Mans (only 40 in existence), a Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe and a Porsche 911 Carrera GT. All cars were being seized by police – but for what reason?

Click here for more news on Supercars.

No word on why but the cars apparently belong to the son of the African president of Equatorial Guinea.

Make the jump for the video.

- By: Omar Rana

Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Mueller-Oetvoe said that he sees the company achieving record sales this year and is optimistic on growth for the next year.

“I have not seen any reluctance to consider buying a Rolls-Royce,” Mueller-Oetvoes told Reuters. “I do not feel that sentiment is deteriorating in the luxury market.”

The United States is Rolls-Royce’s largest market. It sold about a third of its cars in the U.S. last year – however, Mueller-Oetvoes said he sees bigger growth potential in Asia, and especially in China.

Last year, Rolls-Royce delivered 2,711 units – up 171 percent compared to the year before.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

Last we heard anything about the Rolls-Royce Phantom EE – aka 102EX - it was reported that study groups showed that the company’s customer base had no interest in electric uber-luxury vehicles. However, that doesn’t mean Rolls-Royce is just going to give up on it.

“The 102EX is on a tour around the globe,” said Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW AG at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. “The car is a test bed that allows us to gather data and customer feedback in order for us to make an informed decision on alternative powertrains for Rolls-Royce.”

As of right now Rolls-Royce customers are mainly fancy the Phantom. The Rolls-Royce Ghost has brought in new customers with 80 percent not having owned a Rolls-Royce previously.

“After 2010, we will probably see another year of record sales in 2011,” Reithofer said. “Many markets contribute to this success – and by the way, Germany has seen the strongest sales growth in Europe in the first half of 2011.”

- By: Omar Rana

Following significant growth in worldwide sales over the last 18 months and high demand for personalized Ghost and Phantom models, Rolls-Royce said that it is expanding its West Sussex plant in the months ahead.

“The expansion includes an increase in size by more than 2500 square metres for the Assembly Hall, completing the final phase of development from original site plans for the production area,” Rolls-Royce said in a statement. “A new extension will also increase the Surface Finish Centre by more than 640 square metres. Total investment in the project will be about £10 million.”

Rolls-Royce also said that it will be expanding its dealer network with new showrooms in North America, Asia Pacific and Europe.

“I am very pleased to announce our expansion plans,” said Torsten Müller-Otvos, Chief Executive Officer for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “We continue to see increased demand from customers all over the world and the new facilities will allow us to increase the capacity for our hand-built, highly personalised motor cars. This investment demonstrates our confidence in this unique brand, our commitment to our Home at Goodwood – the only place in the world where Rolls-Royce motor cars are built – and signals the next phase in the development of our company.”

Construction is planned to start later this year and will be completed in late 2012.

- By: Omar Rana

A Phantom or Phantom Extended Wheelbase is featured in the collection. Inspired by Beijing’s Forbidden City, a hand-painted gold dragon is featured on both sides of the car.

The interior continues that theme, with a dragon hand-embroidered on each headrest, an available seat piping option, and a color selection to compliment the embordieries’ palette. Dragon inlays are placed on each car’s passenger side, with the Phantom name written in gold.

Rolls-Royce applies its own logo to two cushions made for rear passengers. LED lighting on all the door sills’ treadplates reads ‘Year of the Dragon 2012′.

Torsten Muller-Otvos, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO speaks about the new design, saying “At Rolls-Royce Motor Cars we delight in bringing new, exclusive designs to our customers. The Bespoke team elegantly captures the imagination with this Year of the Dragon Collection, celebrating the turning of a New Year of prosperity and good fortune with this unique creative offering.”

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bespoke Sales Manager Thomas G. Jefferson also notes “The Bespoke team is privileged to commemorate the Chinese Year of the Dragon with this exciting Collection. This limited edition car embodies the synergy of craftsmanship, creativity and culture in a manner that is uniquely Rolls-Royce.”

- By: Alexandra Koken

Due to a significant growth in customer demand, British ultra-luxury brand Rolls-Royce has announced that they will be expanding their “Bespoke“ operation. Based at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ home in Goodwood, West Essex, UK, the operation calls for an increase in staff including designers, engineers, project management staff and more. This increase will double Rolls-Royce’s staff by the end of 2011.

The expansion can be dialed down to heightened demand in specific and very personalized features in Rolls-Royce’s lineup of hand built masterpieces. Because customers are asking for more specific options and features, Rolls-Royce’s current staff was found to be insufficient in keeping up with the demand.

“The ability to bespoke one’s vehicle has always been at the heart of Rolls-Royce so it is very encouraging to see that after more than one hundred years at the very pinnacle of the automotive world, our Bespoke services are still very much in demand from customers all over the world today,” said Jolyon Nash, a member of the Sales and Marketing Team at Rolls-Royce.

Rolls-Royce Bespoke Options:

- By: Chris Chin

In the past couple of months, we here at egmCarTech have been providing some coverage for several of the unique cars that will be put up for auction at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance car show and auction. This one however, may take the cake as the most interesting.

A custom-built 1925 Rolls-Royce New Phantom that was designed to hunt Bengal tigers will be auctioned off during the show on August 18-19th.

Known amongst the collectors as the ex-Maharaja of Kotah’s “Tiger Car,” the antique Rolls-Royce comes with a hand-cranked machine gun that’s mounted on a separate trailer. The trailer can then be hooked up and hauled by the old Rolls.

Also included is a nickel-plated horn that’s shaped like a snake to add some flair, while a secondary rifle stand to house an elephant gun is also mounted on the rear. Other firearms include a “Howdah” gun, which is a special large-caliber short-range firearm that is said to be used “for repelling beasts bent on attacking the car’s occupants.”

The 1925 Rolls-Royce New Phantom is powered by a classic 8.0L straight-six that’s mated to a four-speed manual transmission.

- By: Chris Chin

One of the ways BMW enthusiasts have been able to directly identify one model from another was by either their traditional nomenclature such as the 3-Series and 5-Series, or by their internal chassis code like F10 for the current 5-Series. However, BMW has just announced that they will be redoing their naming strategy for models across all of their brands.

This announcement comes just as BMW pondered the question regarding what to name a model below the 1-Series, if BMW were to introduce one.

“There will be an evolution of naming across all brands,” said BMW’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Ian Robertson. “There are a lot numbers that can be exploited in the future,” Robertson added.

And while the revamped naming strategy is slightly easier with BMW, Robertson said it gets more difficult when it comes to BMW’s other brands, Rolls-Royce and BMW.

“It’s more complicated with Mini and Rolls-Royce,” said Robertson. “It’s harder worldwide because many names have been copyrighted.”

Specific details in terms of the “evolution of naming across all brands” have yet to be released, but with Robertson’s comments, we could expect more alphanumeric badging with MINI and Rolls-Royce.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Inside Line