JEDDAH: As another barometer of a strong Saudi economy, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars further made its presence felt in the Kingdom by the opening of a grand showroom that befits the grand car. Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, exclusive agent for Rolls-Royce cars in Saudi Arabia, inaugurated recently its new SR4 million showroom for Rolls Royce in Jeddah. In the Middle East, Rolls-Royce demonstrated substantial sales during the first quarter, leaving its competitors behind. For the second half of the year, the region will witness the delivery of 17 limited edition Rolls-Royce models under the Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary Collection for the legendary Phantom, a proof that negative developments in the Middle East would not deter at all the upbeat projections for a regal car. James Crichton, Rolls-Royce regional director, that Rolls-Royce cars have contributed significantly to the growth of the ultra-luxury car segment (the segment above €200,000) that netted 39 percent growth in the first quarter of this year compared with the year-ago period. Demand for Rolls-Royce cars, he said, is continuing to grow in 2011, "which explains our strong 90 percent increase in sales versus the first quarter. We are targeting on-going growth this year and hope to achieve this based on improved consumer confidence," he said in an earlier published report. In Saudi Arabia, Rolls-Royce achieved a phenomenal 114 percent growth last year in Saudi Arabia against the previous year, Crichton noted, driven by the huge success of the Ghost launch at the end of 2009 and the sustained demand on "highly bespoke Phantom family models." He added that the Middle East will be receiving 17 out of 100 Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary Collection Phantom models. Rolls-Royce unveiled its new Ghost Extended Wheelbase model for the first time at the 14th Auto Shanghai Motor Show last April 19. The ultra-luxury saloon, the sixth new model from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, caters to customers who need wider space and comfort without sacrificing Ghost's unique balance of dynamism and poise. And for the current Rolls-Royce customers, the Rolls-Royce Phantom App is now available on the App Store. The Rolls-Royce Phantom App for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch allows clients and Rolls-Royce enthusiasts to create highly bespoke virtual models, including the ability to apply unique color and interior trim combinations. Healthy consumer confidence in the Kingdom points only to a positive outlook for Rolls-Royce in the years ahead.
