Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is expanding its manufacturing facility in Goodwood, with an investment of more than £300 million. This is to enable the brand to increase its capacity to build more complex and highly personalised luxury vehicles.
Preparing for a Bespoke and Electric Future
The investment, the largest since the plant’s opening in 2003, will provide additional space to accommodate the growing demand for Bespoke and Coachbuild projects. It will also prepare the facility for the company’s transition to an all-battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup in the very near future.
The Goodwood site, which originally employed 300 people and produced one car daily, has grown to a workforce of over 2,500. Currently, the facility produces up to 28 vehicles daily, and its operations support an additional 7,500 people through its UK supply chain. A recent study from the London School of Economics (LSE) highlighted that Rolls-Royce contributes £500 million annually to the UK economy.
Celebrating Growth
The timing of the investment also seems extra special as it coincides with the 120th anniversary of the first meeting between co-founders Charles Rolls and Henry Royce in 1904. With planning permission granted last year, the company has already started site preparation and landscaping.
“In 2024, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars reaffirmed its position as an authentic luxury house by crafting the most complex, personal, and valuable motor cars in its history. This momentum means it is necessary for us to invest more than £300 million in extending the Home of Rolls-Royce. This represents our most substantial financial commitment to Goodwood since its opening in 2003 and a significant vote of confidence in the Rolls-Royce marque, securing our future here in the UK. 2024’s record Bespoke results demonstrate our clients are increasingly drawn to the marque to create ever more ambitious and valuable motor cars, thereby enjoying the exceptional and highly personalised experience that Rolls-Royce ownership unlocks. This underscores our commitment to creating value for our clients and those with a stake in our business.”
Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
A Record Year for Bespoke Creations
Rolls-Royce achieved big success in 2024, setting records for its Bespoke offerings. The demand for the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective, which uses materials such as 18-carat gold sculptures and embroideries featuring over 869,500 stitches, increased by 10% year-on-year, marking the highest levels in the company’s history.
The Phantom Extended model attracted the most Bespoke commissions, while the Spectre, introduced in 2024, became the second-most customised vehicle in the portfolio. The Middle East was the leading region for Bespoke orders, followed closely by North America and Europe.
Expanding Client Services
Rolls-Royce continued to enhance its client experience by expanding its Private Office network to New York and Seoul, adding to the existing locations in Dubai and Shanghai. These spaces allow clients to collaborate closely with designers and explore the full potential of Bespoke customisation. Commissions through Private Offices are, on average, 25% more valuable.
The marque also saw significant growth in its invitation-only members’ app, Whispers, which allows networking among Rolls-Royce owners and direct engagement with the company’s executives.
Strong Global Sales Performance
Rolls-Royce reported global sales of 5,712 units in 2024, marking the third-highest annual total in its history. North America remained the top market, while regions like the Middle East, Europe, and Asia Pacific set new sales records. The Spectre was the most requested model in Europe and the second globally – not bad for the brand’s first electric offering.
There are now plans to introduce a new electric model in 2025.
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