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Cars of 1998
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Car of the Month - October
2011 |
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The Financial Crisis that had started in 2008 might have shown some influence in the market when in 2009 the Rolls-Royce Ghost was launched. However a mere two years later a tremendous 64% increase in sales was achieved. Against the background that almost seamless the Financial Crisis had been followed by the next global economic shock titled Debts Crisis there might be more than a little truth in the cynical statement: “There was no money lost – that is simply owned by others now.” Rolls-Royce announced some 1,600 cars sold in the first six months of 2011 and stated the best year since BMW had taken the reins in 2003. The increase in sales was 64% when compared to the same period of the previous year. The Middle East and the USA were rather sober with +40%, Germany showed +60% whereas the region Asia Pacific enjoyed a real boom with 170% increase.
The lion’s share in new car sales had the Rolls-Royce Ghost. The model’s market success was such that the manufacturer early in July 2011 announced to add to the model range a long wheelbase Ghost. The Ghost EWB (Extended Wheelbase) no doubt targeted at the Asian market where in many countries it was more or less standard to employ chauffeurs. To keep pace with the high level of demand it was necessary to arrange for additional staff at Rolls-Royce’ Goodwood factory in the south of England. |
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The company’s policy of permanently seeking improvements to the design, specification and manufacturing methods of their models made the Rolls-Royce Ghost subject to such action, too. Especially as ‘tailored solutions’ for certain markets might be considered. That is the reason actually why no interior photos are shown of this “Car of the Month”. This company car – although no rolling test-bed – is used to check certain innovations in endurance tests under everyday-day conditions. However this can be reported – additions to the tool set (to be found in the boot underneath the First Aid Kit) are no priority. One screw driver and one spanner are considered as sufficient; the idea has been expressed the tow bar is superfluous.
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