Rolls-Royce is one of the most celebrated and elite brands in the history of the automobile industry. Based in the Great Britain and now owned by German auto giant BMW, Rolls-Royce has an elaborate history that spans over 100 years. The company has been a pioneer and benchmark setter in the luxury car segment as its products are considered to be the epitome of class and luxury. Interestingly, Rolls-Royce, which has a deep connection with India, is planning to introduce an exclusive Indian edition of one of its models, reports have claimed. Although nothing has been confirmed, strong rumours have surfaced, which suggest that the Indian edition could be based on the Ghost or Phantom models. Previously, the firm has introduced exclusive editions of its vehicles in China. Industry experts feel that the decision of Rolls-Royce to launch an exclusive Indian version is an indication of the importance of India as a car market.
Although India is a smaller market for Rolls-Royce in comparison China, it is slowly and steadily gaining importance in the firm's plans. Rolls-Royce recently launched the Wraith model in India and according to sources, the company is confident of a good showing despite the adverse condition of the market. Officials from Rolls-Royce have said that the firm has a niche following in India, which is not affected by the market conditions due to the highly inelastic demand of its cars. Reports suggest that the premium luxury car maker is on course to achieve the target it had set for itself. Also, in recent interviews, prominent company executives have said that it plans to grow its operations in India, which it considers to be the most important Asian market in coming times.
Herfried Hasenoehrl, General Manager at Rolls-Royce for Emerging Markets, Asia, spoke about the firm's plans in India. "Indian customers in the last eight years have got what the brand is all about. They understand it is not only luxury or a status symbol but could be made to represent who they are. We have uncompromisingly maintained a clear identity of precision and finesse. Two new sales and services centres in one year alone is a very strong statement for a brand like Rolls-Royce. What is tier II, III and IV today, in two more years, will be cities we need to be in," he was quoted as saying.
Over the years, Rolls-Royce has always refrained from revealing details about its performance in the Indian car market. However, some sources claim that the luxury car manufacturer has managed to sell around 250 units since its arrival in India in the year 2005. Incredibly, the sales ratio between the Phantom and Ghost models is said to be one is to four. On the other hand, Aston Martin, a competitor of Rolls-Royce, is reported to be have an average sales of around 30 units in a year.
Rolls-Royce, possibly for the first time, is marketing its model as a car that should be driven by the owner rather than the chauffeur. Its latest launch, the two-door coupe Wraith, has been touted as the most powerful Rolls-Royce built till date. It is powered by a 6.6-litre V12 engine that runs on the twin turbocharging technology and is capable of producing 624 bhp of peak output. Priced at Rs. 4.6 crore, the Wraith comes with a starry-night roof and a superb air suspension, known as the magic carpet ride. According to the Director of Design for the Wraith, Giles Taylor, “There’s a sense of effortless grace and elegance, but at the same time something more contemporary and daring.”
The iconic British car manufacturer has always been known for bringing in a lot of customisation and finesse in its manufacturing process. In fact, officials from the company have claimed that apart from the painting of the car, everything is masterfully crafted by hands. Incredibly, Rolls-Royce offers its customers a choice of around 44000 shades in terms of interiors, logos and monograms.
