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Rolls-Royce says it is looking at designs for a 4x4 vehicle, as it reports record sales | |
(about 13 hours later) | |
Rolls-Royce has said it is looking at designs for its first 4x4 vehicle, as it posted record sales for a fourth year running. | |
Chief executive Torsten Muller-Otvos told the BBC that Rolls-Royce had started looking at "new designs", but there were "no firm plans yet". | |
He said he was seeing how the brand could fit in with the 4x4 market. | |
The luxury carmaker also said it delivered 3,630 cars to customers in 2013, a 1.5% increase on 2012. | |
In an interview with BBC Radio 5, Mr Muller-Otvos said: "We have started processes to look at new designs (for 4x4 vehicles) and first ideas, but there are no firm plans yet to say this is what we will do." | |
Rocketing sales | |
To help meet demand after its successful year, the carmaker, which is owned by BMW, says it plans to hire 100 staff at its manufacturing plant in Goodwood, Sussex in 2014. | |
Rolls-Royce launched the Wraith model at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2013 and started delivering the car to customers during the fourth quarter. | Rolls-Royce launched the Wraith model at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2013 and started delivering the car to customers during the fourth quarter. |
"We have reported a strong year and have maintained our position at the pinnacle of the super-luxury market," said Mr Muller-Otvos. | |
The strongest sales growth was seen in the Middle East, which recorded a rise of 17%, as well as China, where sales rose 11% last year. | The strongest sales growth was seen in the Middle East, which recorded a rise of 17%, as well as China, where sales rose 11% last year. |
Rolls-Royce now employs more than 1,300 staff after hiring 100 additional workers in 2013. | Rolls-Royce now employs more than 1,300 staff after hiring 100 additional workers in 2013. |
It is estimated that the UK car industry produced 1.5 million cars in 2013, which would be a six year high. | It is estimated that the UK car industry produced 1.5 million cars in 2013, which would be a six year high. |
Most cars are made for export, but the UK market has been recovering. | Most cars are made for export, but the UK market has been recovering. |
Last year, it had its best year since 2007. | Last year, it had its best year since 2007. |
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