12 Interesting Facts About Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce, a British luxury automobile maker, is one of the most renowned names in the automotive industry, known for producing some of the world’s most iconic and luxurious cars. Founded in 1906 by Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, the company has become synonymous with prestige, elegance, and advanced engineering. Today, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars operates as a subsidiary of BMW, which acquired the rights to the brand in 1998.

Ownership and Revenue

Rolls-Royce is now a subsidiary of BMW after the German automaker acquired the rights to the brand in 1998. Rolls-Royce’s production focuses on ultra-luxury cars, and it continues to thrive as a leader in the luxury car market. In 2022, Rolls-Royce recorded revenues of around €3 billion, making it one of the top luxury car brands globally.

Place Among Luxury Automakers

Rolls-Royce consistently ranks as one of the most prestigious car brands in the world. Its emphasis on bespoke craftsmanship, luxurious interiors, and quiet, powerful engines keeps it at the top of the ultra-luxury market. Rolls-Royce competes with brands like Bentley, Aston Martin, and Maybach, often outshining them in terms of heritage and exclusivity.

Interesting Facts About Rolls-Royce

1. Founders’ Backgrounds: Henry Royce was an engineer who created a successful electrical and mechanical business, while Charles Rolls was an aristocrat and a car enthusiast. Their collaboration combined engineering prowess with aristocratic sophistication, creating the luxurious brand we know today.
2. The Spirit of Ecstasy: Rolls-Royce’s iconic hood ornament, the Spirit of Ecstasy, was designed in 1911 by sculptor Charles Sykes. It is a symbol of luxury and excellence, and each one is made using a special lost wax process, ensuring a highly detailed finish.
3. Record-Breaking Quietness: Rolls-Royce is known for creating cars that are incredibly quiet. The Phantom VIII, for example, is said to be the quietest car in the world, largely due to more than 130 kg of soundproofing materials used in its construction.
4. The V12 Engine: Rolls-Royce cars are equipped with V12 engines that deliver powerful, smooth, and almost silent performance. The focus is not on speed but on delivering a supremely comfortable driving experience with effortless power.
5. No Assembly Line: Unlike many modern car manufacturers, Rolls-Royce cars are not produced on a traditional assembly line. Every car is hand-built, and it takes around six months to produce a single vehicle, with over 60 craftspeople involved in the process.
6. Royal Warrants: Rolls-Royce holds royal warrants from Queen Elizabeth II and other British royals, making it the car of choice for official royal transportation for decades.
7. Record Sale Price: One of the most expensive Rolls-Royce cars ever sold was the 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Special Town Car, which was auctioned for a staggering $9.7 million at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2017.
8. Luxury Car of the Future: Rolls-Royce has already announced plans to embrace electric vehicles, with its first fully electric car, the Spectre, set to launch by 2023. By 2030, Rolls-Royce aims to have its entire lineup become fully electric, continuing the brand’s focus on cutting-edge technology.
9. Charles Rolls’ Tragic Accident: One of the founders, Charles Rolls, was a keen aviator and tragically died in a plane crash in 1910, becoming the first Briton to die in an aviation accident. His death deeply impacted the brand, but it continued under Henry Royce’s leadership.
10. Bankruptcy and Nationalization: In 1971, Rolls-Royce filed for bankruptcy due to the financial failure of its jet engine division. The company was nationalized by the British government to save the aerospace sector. The car division was later split off and eventually sold to BMW.
11. BMW vs. Volkswagen Battle: In the 1990s, a heated legal battle arose between BMW and Volkswagen over the ownership of Rolls-Royce. Volkswagen acquired Rolls-Royce’s automotive assets, while BMW gained the rights to the Rolls-Royce name and logo. The division of assets led to some confusion, but in 2003, Rolls-Royce Motors relaunched as a BMW subsidiary, leaving Volkswagen with Bentley.
12. Exclusivity and Waiting Times: The extreme levels of craftsmanship involved in the production of Rolls-Royce cars often result in long waiting times for buyers. Some customers have had to wait up to a year to receive their bespoke vehicle, which has both added to the brand’s exclusivity and caused frustration among impatient buyers.