Rolls-Royce Eyes Thailand, Vietnam

[webfact]

Rolls-Royce eyes Thailand, Vietnam

Rolls-Royce Car Logo, file photo. Source: wikimedia

HONG KONG, January 11, 2012 (AFP) - Ultra-luxury carmaker Rolls-Royce is looking to expand into Thailand and Vietnam, a top executive said Wednesday, after it posted record sales in 2011 with Asia its fastest-growing market.

The German-owned British automaker announced Monday sales jumped 31 percent to 3,538 vehicles last year, up from the 2,711 units in 2010, and was the highest-ever annual total in the company's 107-year history.

The surging sales were driven by demand from China and the United States, it said, with 47 percent year-over-year growth in Asia-Pacific, 17 percent in North America and 23 percent in the Middle East.

"(Asia Pacific) is the fastest-growing region. We have seen growth literally in all markets -- Korea, Japan," Torsten Müller-Ötvös, chief executive officer at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, told AFP on a visit to Hong Kong.

"We are now entering Thailand. We are looking also at Vietnam, Indo-China in a broader sense to see what kind of opportunities that we have here," he said, but declined to elaborate citing ongoing discussions.

Müller-Ötvös said the company may add "three, four" dealerships this year in China, which overtook the US to become Rolls-Royce's biggest market in 2011.

The firm's chief executive said he was upbeat on China sales despite concerns about a slowdown in the world's second-largest economy, adding that debt-riddled Europe presented a "very mixed picture".

"I can tell you I am optimistic, we definitely will see another record year for Rolls-Royce to come in 2012," he added.

The company, purchased by BMW in 1998, currently has 14 dealer networks in China, and another dozen in Asia-Pacific including Seoul, Tokyo, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Sydney, Melbourne and New Delhi.

The group unveiled plans in September to expand its Goodwood factory in southern England to meet strong global demand for the group's personalised range of "Ghost" and "Phantom" models.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2012-01-11

[OzMick]

I expect to see a few in the PTP carpark any day now.

I wonder how their aircraft engine division is going. The claim by Qantas alone would make your eyes water.

[slapout]

Someone within the group must keep up with the proposed government projects in Asia, has a good idea on how the systems work and figures Thailand looks to have a vast potential for luxury item sales.

[NxaiPan]

I expect to see a few in the PTP carpark any day now.

I wonder how their aircraft engine division is going. The claim by Qantas alone would make your eyes water.

Different companies. They split in the early 1970's.

Rolls-Royce motors is owned by BMW, who bought them after a tussle with VW, who ended up with Bentley as part of the deal.

Rolls Royce plc manufactures aero engines, plus a marine propulsion and energy division.

[Jim walker]

I might just have enough in cash lying in plastic bags in my dining room to buy a few new Rollers

[cheeryble]

Not surprised to see them selling so well. I've been in a few Rollers and Bentleys, and the Phantom is truly magnificent, the best Rolls by far I've seen in my 60+ years.

I've only seen one, in the carpark of MocMol in CM last year, it was black, and was a dream come real.

wishingly, Cheeryble

[nong38]

Every red village should have one!

[AleG]

The German-owned British automaker announced Monday sales jumped 31 percent to 3,538 vehicles last year, up from the 2,711 units in 2010, and was the highest-ever annual total in the company's 107-year history.

It's heartwarming to see that the stinking rich do not have to tighten their belts and give up the necessities of life in this times of global economic crisis.

[NxaiPan]

But look where the growth of sales of R-R is coming from. Recession in Asia? Minor setback and a huge opportunity for the wise and well-connected.

Saw a fair view R-R in both Hanoi and especially HCM recently. Conspicuous consumption is a powerful force.

[Flatouthruthefog]

I expect to see a few in the PTP carpark any day now.

I wonder how their aircraft engine division is going. The claim by Qantas alone would make your eyes water.

Different companies. They split in the early 1970's.

Rolls-Royce motors is owned by BMW, who bought them after a tussle with VW, who ended up with Bentley as part of the deal.

Rolls Royce plc manufactures aero engines, plus a marine propulsion and energy division.

Correct. But when Rolls and Bentley were the same (British) company, they spent many years sitting on their fat, self-satisfied behinds, ignoring massive opportunities.

On my first visit to Bkk in 1988 I remarked on the multitude of Mercs and almost total lack of Rolls rolling around the capital. An experienced expat quietly advised me that as His Majesty had a Rolls, no-one wished to be accused of imitating him. Fair comment. But as the Bentleys then produced were almost identical, and almost as expensive, the company missed a great opportunity to push Bentley in Thailand.

The current Bentley outfit seem to have inherited the blindfold.

And going back to the horrible photo caption at the top here, that is a MASCOT, not a "logo". Shame on the writer. Owners of Royces (they prefer the name of the engineer, not the investor) call the mascot "Miss Thompson." She was one of the company secretaries who actually posed for the sculptor. Yes, really.

[jayceebee]

(they prefer the name of the engineer, not the investor).

Thanks for that info, I live near Sunderland and my works head office is based in Derby and whenever any of their workers talk about the factories they always call them "Royce's"

Edited January 11, 2012 by jayceebee

[ratcatcher]

I expect to see a few in the PTP carpark any day now.

I wonder how their aircraft engine division is going. The claim by Qantas alone would make your eyes water.

Different companies. They split in the early 1970's.

Rolls-Royce motors is owned by BMW, who bought them after a tussle with VW, who ended up with Bentley as part of the deal.

Rolls Royce plc manufactures aero engines, plus a marine propulsion and energy division.

Correct. But when Rolls and Bentley were the same (British) company, they spent many years sitting on their fat, self-satisfied behinds, ignoring massive opportunities.

On my first visit to Bkk in 1988 I remarked on the multitude of Mercs and almost total lack of Rolls rolling around the capital. An experienced expat quietly advised me that as His Majesty had a Rolls, no-one wished to be accused of imitating him. Fair comment. But as the Bentleys then produced were almost identical, and almost as expensive, the company missed a great opportunity to push Bentley in Thailand.

The current Bentley outfit seem to have inherited the blindfold.

And going back to the horrible photo caption at the top here, that is a MASCOT, not a "logo". Shame on the writer. Owners of Royces (they prefer the name of the engineer, not the investor) call the mascot "Miss Thompson." She was one of the company secretaries who actually posed for the sculptor. Yes, really.

Speaking of Bentleys, I am sure W.O. would be turning in his grave if he saw Khun Chalerm's pink job. Although, of course, extreme wealth and vulgarity frequently go hand in hand.

[SomTumTiger]

Every red village should have one!

OTOR - One Tambon, One Rolls (Brought to you by Thaksin, the great philanthropist).

[Just1Voice]

Every red village should have one!

OTOR - One Tambon, One Rolls (Brought to you by Thaksin, the great philanthropist).

Every red village should have one!

OTOR - One Tambon, One Rolls (Brought to you by Thaksin, the great philanthropist).

I'm starting to believe that some people will find any way possible to link Thaksin to just about any story they possibly can, regardless of how asanine it makes them look.

[KRS1]

About time they got here now i can live a cut above the rest of you peasants.

[rotary]

I wonder if RR will make a pick up model or will they let the Thai converter firms do that?

I can just see the new improved gold supreme Thai Rung Rolls Royce pick up!

I wonder if they will try and drive from Chang mai to Songkla on 1 tank of fuel with their thumbs up sticking out the window for commercials on soap operas?

[SICHONSTEVE]

I expect to see a few in the PTP carpark any day now.

I wonder how their aircraft engine division is going. The claim by Qantas alone would make your eyes water.

"I expect to see a few in the PTP carpark any day now".

Congrats!!! Beat me to it!!!

It won't be long before the Thai cabinet are using these as their "run around" buggies - with on demand 24 hour chauffeurs at their beck and call!!!

Edited January 12, 2012 by SICHONSTEVE

[bkk_mike]

The German-owned British automaker announced Monday sales jumped 31 percent to 3,538 vehicles last year, up from the 2,711 units in 2010, and was the highest-ever annual total in the company's 107-year history.

It's heartwarming to see that the stinking rich do not have to tighten their belts and give up the necessities of life in this times of global economic crisis.

And you'd prefer to see the people building them put on the dole?

For manufacturers to make money, it needs people to buy stuff, and this is one of the few things still built in the UK, rather than in China (even if it's now a German-owned company).

[geriatrickid]

The German-owned British automaker announced Monday sales jumped 31 percent to 3,538 vehicles last year, up from the 2,711 units in 2010, and was the highest-ever annual total in the company's 107-year history.

It's heartwarming to see that the stinking rich do not have to tighten their belts and give up the necessities of life in this times of global economic crisis.

Good grief. Has it occurred to you that the many of the people you lambaste really have worked hard to get where they are? I know one gentleman with a Bentley and I can assure you that the man put in the hours and worked for all that he had. He

I expect to see a few in the PTP carpark any day now.

I wonder how their aircraft engine division is going. The claim by Qantas alone would make your eyes water.

"I expect to see a few in the PTP carpark any day now".

Congrats!!! Beat me to it!!!

It won't be long before the Thai cabinet are using these as their "run around" buggies - with on demand 24 hour chauffeurs at their beck and call!!!

How odd that some are so blinded by their hate that they have to resort to coming up with gross exagerations to belittle their perceived enemies.

Democrat party bigwigs are more likely to be driving the expensive vehicles. No, this is not a tit for tat statement, but one that recognizes the demographics involved.

Common sense should prevail, but I suppose that is expecting to much from the kindergarten class. The expensive vehicles are favoured by urban dwellers. . Most of the Democrats are situated in the urban and developed sections of the country that lend themselves to the expensive vehicles.If the voting patterns were reversed then yes, maybe some PTP big shots would favour those vehicles. It is highly impractical to have anything but a bulky SUV in some of the PTP strongholds. The roads are crap or there are rural routes to traverse. Try getting a Mercedes or BMW fixed in Issan. Hit a pot hole near Roi Et and you are screwed. Hit a bigger pothole on Phuket and no worries. If Rolls Royce sells in Thailand, there will be one location and it will be in Bangkok. You can't take a RR to any shop as there are specific tools required, specific skills needed and a special key to open the engine compartment. Who is going to purchase a vehicle if he/she has to send it back to Bangkok to receive the most basic of service. You can't just use any hydraulic fluid, but are obliged to use specific RR fluid.

The same thing will prevail in Vietmnam and it will most likely be Ho Chi Minh City. One is not going to be able to sell a car to someone in Danang.

And before anyone mentions the grey vehicle market, as of this year Mercedes Thailand will not service vehicles that were not purchased in Thailandd or not considered legal entrants under the Mercedes sales territory agreements.

Edited January 13, 2012 by geriatrickid

[catmac]

Here we go again!

An interesting topic, with some informative replies and some well thought out arguments, ruined by the usual pack of kindergarten kids shouting "Thaksin,Thaksin"!

Could Admin not open a special thread for these useless posters to throw their old nappies about?

[Payboy]

Will a stripped down version of the Ghost be sold to the meter taxi companies?

[OzMick]

How odd that some are so blinded by their hate that they have to resort to coming up with gross exagerations to belittle their perceived enemies.

Democrat party bigwigs are more likely to be driving the expensive vehicles. No, this is not a tit for tat statement, but one that recognizes the demographics involved.

Common sense should prevail, but I suppose that is expecting to much from the kindergarten class. The expensive vehicles are favoured by urban dwellers. . Most of the Democrats are situated in the urban and developed sections of the country that lend themselves to the expensive vehicles.If the voting patterns were reversed then yes, maybe some PTP big shots would favour those vehicles. It is highly impractical to have anything but a bulky SUV in some of the PTP strongholds. The roads are crap or there are rural routes to traverse. Try getting a Mercedes or BMW fixed in Issan. Hit a pot hole near Roi Et and you are screwed. Hit a bigger pothole on Phuket and no worries. If Rolls Royce sells in Thailand, there will be one location and it will be in Bangkok. You can't take a RR to any shop as there are specific tools required, specific skills needed and a special key to open the engine compartment. Who is going to purchase a vehicle if he/she has to send it back to Bangkok to receive the most basic of service. You can't just use any hydraulic fluid, but are obliged to use specific RR fluid.

The same thing will prevail in Vietmnam and it will most likely be Ho Chi Minh City. One is not going to be able to sell a car to someone in Danang.

And before anyone mentions the grey vehicle market, as of this year Mercedes Thailand will not service vehicles that were not purchased in Thailandd or not considered legal entrants under the Mercedes sales territory agreements.

I will pass on your wisdom to those fools driving their Rollers outside Bangkok. Let's see, there was the monk in the new Phantom at Udon last Feb (?), the red Corniche at the Chiang Rai Classic Car Show, etc. Should I also inform BMW that the latest are too fragile for rough surfaces, and should only be used in Bangkok, Thailand's single urban centre.

BTW the major purpose of a roller is not transport, It's a way for the nouveau rich to show the hoi polloi had flash they are. And there is much more money to be made from criminality than there is from HONEST hard work.