(Newser)
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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.
