Rolls-Royce hits new sales record

ROLLS-ROYCE has strolled luxuriously to a record half-year new car sales total - although actual volumes have not been released yet.

Sales worldwide have risen by 33% compared with the January to June 2013 period, with sales in Europe up by more than 60%.

There was also strong growth in Asia Pacific (up nearly 40%) and in the Middle East (up by more than 30%).

The US and China also saw double-digit growth. In Europe, strong performance was seen in Germany, with sales doubling.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars chief executive Torsten Muller-Otvos said: "This is an excellent half-year result and demonstrates the continued confidence that our customers have in our company and our fine cars.

"We are on target for another record year in 2014."

Rolls-Royce did not publish any individual sales figures for the cars - all built at Goodwood, West Sussex - merely giving the half-year percentage increases.

By Peter Woodman, Press Association Transport Correspondent