By Andrew Ganz
Monday, Oct 24th, 2011 @ 8:49 am
 
For the first time in its modern history, Rolls-Royce says that it plans to have an official presence in South America.

The BMW-owned British automaker says it has reached agreements with dealers in Brazil and Chile, two of the strongest luxury car markets in the southern hemisphere.

"I am delighted to announce our plans for entry into the South American market," said Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ã-tvös from Sao Paulo, Brazil.

"Brazil and Chile have seen impressive economic growth, with an increasing demand from discerning customers for pinnacle luxury products. Rolls-Royce is growing very successfully in a number of fast-growing emerging markets and it is therefore appropriate that we have a strong presence in Brazil and Chile."

Müller-Ã-tvös said that Via Italia Group will sell cars for the automaker in Brazil and that Williamson Balfour Motors has been tapped to market the premium cars in Chile. Both dealerships will begin selling cars as soon as next March.

Rolls-Royce is the latest luxury brand to begin full factory-supported retail sales of cars in South America; recently, Aston Martin and Infiniti entered Chile's market.