The launch of Phantom Series II in 2012 was met with the highest acclaim.ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Cars this month celebrates 10 Years of Excellence across the world. On Jan. 1, 2003 the Home of Rolls-Royce officially opened for business and the first car was presented to its delighted customer at one minute past midnight. Described at the time as ‘the last great adventure in automotive history', production of Phantom was initially one car per day, rising to three by the end of 2003. Today, with a product range spanning two model families (Phantom and Ghost) and six models, the company's craftsmen and women hand-build up to 20 cars each day. In 2011, Rolls-Royce celebrated a second consecutive sales record and the best result in the company's then 107-year history. The response to the company's portfolio from customers, media and enthusiasts has been overwhelmingly positive throughout the company's first 10 years of business. Each new model has been warmly welcomed and attracted worldwide acclaim, with the cars winning many design and luxury awards. Starting with a workforce of less than 400, there are now more than 1,400 people employed at the Goodwood-based manufacturing plant and head office. More than 100 new positions were created in 2012 alone. The company has invested heavily in future talent, with thriving apprenticeship, graduate and intern programs. The company makes a significant positive economic impact to the local area and, with more than 90 percent of cars exported, to the British economy. Investment has also extended to the site, with a major new extension to the manufacturing area currently nearing completion. This is to help the company meet further growth in worldwide sales and satisfy demand for highly personalized Ghost and Phantom models. “Rolls-Royce is a great British manufacturing success story and I am very proud to celebrate 10 Years of Excellence", said Torsten Müller-?tv?s, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “The renaissance of the world's most famous automotive brand and the creation and development of the Home of Rolls-Royce has been an extraordinary and successful journey. I applaud the Rolls Royce team at Goodwood and across the world for their passion and together we can look forward to the next ten years with great optimism." — SG
