The idea that the very well-heeled consumer is immune to economic issues is not always true, but if ultra-luxury car sales are any indicator, the notion is correct.  Rolls-Royce, in particular, is a great example.  While sales have declined in stricken Europe and some other particularly affected countries, the market for Rolls-Royce in Asia, the Middle East, and Russia continue to expand and will contribute to another record year for RR.  But, why is Rolls-Royce in particular doing so well?  Firstly, the Rolls-Royce brand is probably the modern automotive brand that is most closely and clearly associated with luxury.  Plus, though Rolls-Royce might note that the demise of its main competitor, Maybach, has not contributed to its high sales figures, there’s no doubt that RR’s monopoly in the ultra-luxury, $260k+ category.  In addition, despite its stellar sales, Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös has noted that there are no plans to branch out of its large sedan & coupe formula.  After all, Rolls-Royce judges its profitability off of unit margins, not fleet revenues.  If all this business is too much for you, see what all the fuss is about in our Rolls-Royce Ghost.

– Evan W.

Full story at Autoblog