Rolls-Royce sales buck recession trend

The UK economy may be suffering from the economic downturn – but not so one of the country’s most famous and exclusive brands.

Sales of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars – now owned by BMW – surged 31% in 2011 to 3538 cars.

That figure is the highest number of vehicles sold any year in the company’s history, which stretches back more than a century.

Growth was less than the astonishing 150% recorded in 2010 but no less a phenomenal achievement considering the global economic pressures.

Its new £165,000 Ghost model is key to the marque’s current succes and a major driving force behind its sales growth.

Chief executive Torsten Muller-Otvos said: “We had an outstanding year in 2011 and we should take a moment to reflect on this Great British success story.”