It’s a well-known fact that most new car purchases are anything but wise investments from a purely financial perspective, often losing anywhere from 10-30+ percent of their value the second they drive off of the lot.
But aside from special editions and collector cars, Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes, CEO of Rolls-Royce told Automotive News Europe that his vehicles are sought after partially due to their value as assets.
“The Rolls-Royce brand holds its value. We represent a valuable long-term asset, particularly in times of uncertain investment opportunities,” Mueller-Oetvoes said. It is likely for that reason that the ultra-luxury vehicle maker is booked solid with order and has to operate three shifts just to try and fill orders due to record demand.
While many economies around the world are struggling, Mueller-Oetvoes points out that the number of people in the world that are exceptionally wealthy – and thus would be able to buy a Rolls-Royce, for example – is growing and is expected to continue climbing from the current estimate of 90,000 to somewhere in the realm of 125,000 in 10 years.
So, from that perspective, Rolls-Royce is optimistic as a brand that demand will continue to not only exist, but grow well into the future. As the number of buyers expands, the brand is also considering ways to appeal to that larger list of potential customers in even more ways, “We have many ideas, but are in no hurry. It might be a coupe, it might be a convertible or something else entirely,” said the CEO.
In 2010, BMW’s most high-end brand moved 2,711 cars globally, a record, but also a number expected to be surpassed before 2011 is out.
For those buying or considering buying a Rolls-Royce as investment, don’t worry, Mueller-Oetvoes promises that the brand will continue to be highly exclusive, adding, “We have no long term plans for sales in five figures.”
References
1.’Super-rich buyers…’ view
