Record sales for Rolls-Royce in 2011

The result represents a 31 per cent increase on the 2010 total of 2,711 cars. The figure also represents the best sales result in the company's 107-year history; the previous record of 3,347 cars having been set in 1978 during the Silver Shadow II era.

Much of the growth across 2011 has been attributed to the 'Ghost' model, which was released in 2010. In 2012, a new, long wheelbase version of the Ghost will be aded to the Rolls-Royce lineup.

Strong sales growth was reported across the globe, with notable results seen in Asia Pacific (up 47%), North America (up 17%) and the Middle East (up 23%). China obviously accounts for the high Asia Pacific figure, as more and more cashed-up Chinese choose to display their wealth with the ultimate automotive status symbol. The rise in the United States points to a reversal of fortune for one of the most significant individual markets for Rolls-Royce.

The United Kingdom performed well, reporting 30 per cent growth in the year. In Continental Europe, Germany and Russia were the largest growth markets, each more than doubling sales compared to 2010.