Rolls-Royce boosts British manufacturing with huge £300million investment ahead of electric car switch

Rolls-Royce achieved its third-highest annual sales figure on record in 2024 with 5,712 motor cars delivered, led by North America and Europe.

Sales were boosted by the rollout of four new models last year namely the Cullinan Series II and Ghost Series II, as well as the respective Black Badge models.

Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk

The £300million investment will be used to expand its Goodwood site and develop the capabilities of its Bespoke and Coachbuild divisions.

It will include creating additional space for the "increasingly complex and high-value" projects sought by clients looking for a personal design.

It will also ready the Goodwood manufacturing base as the brand transitions to its future of only producing battery electric vehicles.

Rolls-Royce saw a 10 per cent increase in Bespoke content value per motor car year-on-year, representing another record result for the brand.

The £300million investment represents the biggest boost in funding since the Goodwood plant opened in January 2003, when the factory produced just one vehicle per day.

Nowadays, staff numbers have increased from around 300 people to more than 2,400 and the marque can now produce up to 28 motor cars per day.

Chris Brownridge, chief executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: "In 2024, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars reaffirmed its position as an authentic luxury house by crafting the most complex, personal, and valuable motor cars in its history.

"This momentum means it is necessary for us to invest more than £300 million in extending the Home of Rolls-Royce.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said it was "looking forward with confidence" to 2025 when it plans to unveil its next electric vehicle.

The legendary Spectre was the most requested model in Europe last year and the second most demanded globally.

Collectively, the most requested models were the Cullinan, Spectre and the Ghost. The flagship Phantom model retained its status as the ultimate and rarest Rolls-Royce.

Brownridge added: "2024's record Bespoke results demonstrate our clients are increasingly drawn to the marque to create ever more ambitious and valuable motor cars, thereby enjoying the exceptional and highly personalised experience that Rolls-Royce ownership unlocks.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Drivers could be forced to abandon vehicles at garages amid rising costs - 'Tough financial choices'
• Sony and Honda unveil new electric car with 300-mile range and AI features that will 'revolutionise travel'
• New driving law plans could see Britons slapped with more licence points for not wearing a seatbelt

"This underscores our commitment to creating value for our clients and those with a stake in our business."