Rolls-Royce intends to triple Asia sales in 2010

Rolls-Royce, luxury automaker seems to challenging the depressing economic mood as it has forecasted its Asian sales to triple to 450 vehicles this year and to open a new dealership in Malaysia. This year Rolls-Royce has plans to add a new model line in Asia. Brenda Pek, South and East Asia Pacific head said that they were expecting to triple the volume of sales in the region with the introduction of the Ghost. Rolls-Royce is expecting worldwide sales to hit 2,500 in 2010 against 2009 when it moved just 1,002 of its super-luxury cars as it was knocked by the financial downturn.

Colin Kelly, Asia-Pacific director said that the decline in sales was not due to people who couldn't afford to buy the car but the time was not appropriate to show the wealth. Rolls-Royce is now focusing on the Ghost, a smaller and cheaper model than the top-of-the-range Phantom which carries price tag of 450,000 dollars. Rolls-Royce is establishing its 18th dealership in Asia for which it has teamed up with BMW dealer Quill Automobiles in Malaysia. Pek also reported that they first track the high net worth individuals and find their respective places to assess whether that's an opportunity for the company in that market. Rolls-Royce is popular among Malaysian sultans and the company hopes to sell 10 vehicles in Malaysia this year.