On a rolls: record sales of icon Rolls-Royce cars

Sales of Rolls-Royce cars hit a new record last year but growth slowed considerably as strong demand in the Middle East and Europe outweighed weaker momentum in the UK and China.

The premium car maker shifted 3538 cars across the world last year, its third consecutive annual record, although at just 1%, sales growth was well down on the previous years where it was 150% and 31% respectively.

Sales growth was particularly strong in the Middle East, with a 63% surge. Mainland Europe saw a 21% rise. The UK was “about flat” last year, China was up (though not by as much as in the past), and the US had “shown a slight rise”.