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Rolls-Royce Sales Skyrocket

New models fuel increased drive for BMW's luxury icon

By Jim O'Neill,  Newser User

Posted Dec 31, 2007 12:15 PM CST

(Newser) – The credit crunch is squeezing home sales, but Rolls-Royce sales were up in 2007. The manufacturer of the iconic Phantom (base price $403,000) is expected to announce growth of nearly 25%, reports the London Times. The standard-bearer of luxury cars, purchased by German automaker BMW in 2003, rolled out a sportier, two-door convertible version of the Phantom, the Drophead Coupe ($407,000) in July.

Rolls-Royce has ambitious plans for the next 3 years. It will add a production line next year to handle demand for the Drophead and a “baby Rolls” it’s introducing in 2009 as it tries to double production to 2,000 cars. Rolls Royce sells most of its cars in the US and Britain, but China could claim the No. 2 spot next year.

The Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead is seen on the second press day at the International Auto Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany, on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007. The 62th IAA opens its doors to the public Sept. 15 through Sept. 23, 2007. (AP Photo/Bernd Kammerer)
The Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead is seen on the second press day at the International Auto Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany, on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007. The 62th IAA opens its doors to the public Sept....   (Associated Press)
The Rolls Royce logo is seen on the second press day at the International Auto Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany, on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007. Rolls Royce expects its 2007 sales increased by 25%. (AP Photo/Bernd Kammerer)
The Rolls Royce logo is seen on the second press day at the International Auto Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany, on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007. Rolls Royce expects its 2007 sales increased by 25%. (AP...   (Associated Press)
Emarati visitors check the 2008 Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupe,  during the first day day of the 9th Middle East International Motor Show in Dubai on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007. Rolls Royce expects that its 2007 sales grew 25%, driven largely by new models. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)
Emarati visitors check the 2008 Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupe, during the first day day of the 9th Middle East International Motor Show in Dubai on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007. Rolls Royce expects that its...   (Associated Press)
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