Bentley is unlikely to agree with such bold statements.
Automarket.ro was able to have a conversation with Peter-Paul Schoppmann, Rolls-Royce’s Regional Manager for Germany, Northern, and Eastern Europe. Our Romanian friends were told by him that the London-based luxury marque has no rivals in the car industry because they offer more in terms of luxury, equipment, customization, and luxury than any other high-end automaker. He said that there is no other car manufacturer in the world than Rolls-Royce, and that Bentley is not a competitor because one can buy two Bentleys for the same price as a Rolls-Royce. Ouch.
The average selling price for a new Rolls Royce is around EUR300,000. This represents a drop of 10-20 years in the average age of its clients. The Wraith coupe, and Dawn convertible, are popular with younger buyers. Their average age is 40+.
Peter-Paul Schoppmann thinks that the company should not be competing against the likes Bentley or Mercedes-Maybach. Instead, private jets and helicopters are the enemies of the company, as well as yachts, artwork and real estate. Bentley is a luxury brand that sells more than 10,000 units per year (11,023 cars in 2016). Ouch!
Rolls-Royce’s current infrastructure shows that the Goodwood factory’s maximum annual production cannot exceed 5,000 cars. He explained that the company doesn’t care about quantity as long as the focus is on making it profitable.
He also spoke briefly about the next generation Phantom, reiterating that it will be available towards the end 2017. The official unveiling is scheduled for September or October. It’s most likely that we will see it at Frankfurt Motor Show. According to Peter-Paul Schoppmann, the car will be evolutionary when it is revealed. Clients would not buy something new.
The interview was concluded by the company’s Regional Director Germany, Northern and Eastern Europe. He announced that the brand will have a surprise for the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. Rolls-Royce will also prepare a surprise every year starting next week. A fully autonomous model with the Spirit of Ecstasy will be available in 2030.