Rolls-Royce sees 50% sales growth in Greater China this year

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd, a premium carmaker owned by BMW, expects sales of its luxury cars in the Greater China area to continue strong growth this year despite an increased consumption tax for large vehicles in mainland China, as per industry sources.

Rolls-Royce expects that its vehicle sales growth in Greater China region, including the mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, may reach 50% year-on-year.

Sales may grow at similar rate this year despite a hike in China's consumption tax on big cars, said Hal Serudin, the brand's corporate communications manager in the Asia Pacific region, adding that Rolls-Royce Phantom coupe, which is scheduled to be available to Chinese customers within this year, is powered by a 6.75 liter engine and priced at about RMB 7.5 million.

Hal Serudin disclosed that the automaker is striving to boost its sales networks in China and the number of franchisers in the region would reach eight by the end of this year.

Industry sources say that the Greater China area has already become Rolls-Royce's third-largest market, following the U.S. and UK.