Rolls-Royce Celebrates 10 Years of Phantom

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars had one more reason to celebrate the new year, the company's Goodwood assembly plant completed its 10th Anniversary from where the first Phantom was delivered in 2003. The Rolls-Royce Phantom saloon is the successor of the legendary Phantom's sixth generation.

Described at the time as ‘the last great adventure in automotive history’, production of Phantom was initially one car per day, rising to three by the end of 2003. Today, with a product range spanning two model families (Phantom and Ghost) and six models, the company’s craftsmen and women hand-build up to 20 cars each day. In 2011, Rolls-Royce celebrated a second consecutive sales record and the best result in the company’s then 107-year history.

The response to the company’s portfolio from customers, media and enthusiasts has been overwhelmingly positive throughout the company’s first ten years of business. Each new model has been warmly welcomed and attracted worldwide acclaim, with the cars winning many design and luxury awards. The company’s growing dealer network provides the same unique and effortless customer ownership experience across the world, with superlative customer service offered as standard.

Starting with a workforce of less than 400, there are now more than 1400 people employed at the Goodwood-based manufacturing plant and head office. More than 100 new positions were created in 2012 alone. The company has invested heavily in future talent, with thriving apprenticeship, graduate and intern programmes. More than 80% of employees live locally (within 15 miles) and staff turnover is one of the lowest in the manufacturing industry.

The company makes a significant positive economic impact to the local area and, with more than 90% of cars exported, to the British economy. Investment has also extended to the site, with a major new extension to the manufacturing area currently nearing completion. This is to help the company meet further growth in worldwide sales and satisfy demand for highly personalised Ghost and Phantom models.

“Rolls-Royce is a great British manufacturing success story and I am very proud to celebrate 10 Years of Excellence," said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “The renaissance of the world’s most famous automotive brand and the creation and development of the Home of Rolls-Royce has been an extraordinary and successful journey. I applaud the Rolls Royce team at Goodwood and across the world for their passion and together we can look forward to the next ten years with great optimism.”

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