Rolls Royce launches the first in a series of short films to lead up to the launch of the new Phantom.

The House of Rolls-Royce premieres the first in a series of fascinating short films today, telling how it became the world’s leading and most respected luxury house. ‘The Spirit of Ecstasy’ film will premiere at www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com.

Kate Winslet, the Academy Award winning actress, will give voice to the Spirit of Ecstasy in this first film for the House of Rolls-Royce as she retells luxury’s most fascinating and enduring story. The British actress will recount the story of the muse that guides the world’s most celebrated luxury house.

The premiere signals the beginning of a year of celebrations for the House of Rolls-Royce as it prepares, once again, to reset the standard by which all other luxury goods are judged with the arrival of the New Rolls-Royce Phantom later in the year. This landmark moment will also herald the beginning of the second chapter of the remarkable story of Rolls-Royce since its renaissance began in 2003 at the marque’s centre of luxury excellence in Goodwood, West Sussex.

“The Spirit of Ecstasy has stood on the prow of every Rolls-Royce since 1911, representing ‘the best’ of everything, whilst silently guiding through life those exceptional people who have made our world turn. This is a story that inspires greatness and needs to be told,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. 

“Our world-wide search for the perfect voice of the Spirit of Ecstasy led us back to West Sussex, England, where both Kate Winslet and Rolls-Royce, two British icons reside. Kate Winslet brings her great talent to this role.”

The Premiere: Episode 1 – ‘The Spirit of Ecstasy’

The first episode of The House of Rolls-Royce series, ‘The Spirit of Ecstasy’, retells the story of the muse that has guided and inspired the world’s most celebrated luxury house for the past 105 years.

Since her creation in 1911, the Spirit of Ecstasy, modelled by sculptor and artist Charles Sykes, has silently guided every Rolls-Royce and its prestigious owner through momentous events in their lives and the lives of others. She has stood as an elegant presence and witness at some of history’s most notable events.

This first episode uses cutting edge motion capture and 3D scanning techniques to bring back to life one of the most fascinating legends in the mythology of Rolls-Royce – how and why the Spirit of Ecstasy, which is the most recognised luxury icon in the world, came to be.

Our story begins in the milieu of Belle Époque London, where artists and inventors, scientists and engineers, aristocrats and bohemians collaborate and compete in the white heat of early 20^th Century creativity. 

Fittingly, this time very much echoes the path of today’s Rolls-Royce patrons, visionary men and women who take risks and boldly innovate to achieve their success.

The film opens when Rolls-Royce has been in business since 1904 and has spent several years ‘taking the best that exists and making it better’ for its wealthy and discerning clientele.

Relentless in their quest to create ‘the Best Car in the World’, driven by an ethereal muse, Rolls and Royce go out into the world to test, to perfect and to secure the fundamentals of this great brand that endure to this day: an unparalleled combination of pace, elegance, engineering, comfort and handcraftsmanship.

Only when this perfection is secured does the resulting Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost merit the muse’s approval; an approval that comes in the shape of the iconic ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’. This ecstatic status of perfection finally allows it to carry the ‘Flying Lady’ on its prow, a fact that has endured for every Rolls-Royce since, and will do into the future. A muse that leads the dreamers, visionaries, innovators and those leaders who make our world turn.

The House of Rolls-Royce

The legend of the House of Rolls-Royce will unfold over the year and beyond through further short films as the marque prepares for another landmark moment in automotive and luxury history: the arrival of the benchmark for luxury goods worldwide, the New Rolls-Royce Phantom.

This series of films will serve as a new platform in the ethereal, virtual sphere where followers and devotees of Rolls-Royce can engage further with the marque.

In addition to exclusive early views of the next episodes of the story of the House of Rolls-Royce, those advocates and followers of the marque will be offered the opportunity to attend exclusive Rolls-Royce gatherings around the world. Further news on such events will come next year.

New Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Studio to open in Incheon, South Korea on 1 November 2016 as the expansion continues.

• New Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Studio to open in Incheon, South Korea on 1 November 2016
• The only Rolls-Royce facility in the world to offer closed-course test drives by trained Rolls-Royce instructors
• Third facility for Rolls-Royce in South Korea following the Seoul and recently announced Busan showrooms
• Studio to complement existing dealer network for a seamless customer experience

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, today opened the new Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Studio in South Korea, only the second permanent Studio for the marque worldwide after the ‘Atelier’ at the Home of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Goodwood, England.

The new Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Studio, which opens on 1 November, is the first of its kind in Asia and the only Rolls-Royce facility in the world to offer closed-course test drives. 

As a unique brand experience centre, it will offer guests an insight into the world of the iconic marque in a relaxed atmosphere in the most effortless of manners.

Located close to Incheon International Airport, the 200 m² space is divided into two intimate sections. Visitors are first greeted by the ‘Car Gallery’, showcasing the latest Rolls-Royce models on a rotating basis. 

In the adjoining ‘Atelier’ lounge, visitors can explore the world of Rolls‑Royce Bespoke on an appointment basis. The ‘Atelier’ cossets guests in luxury surroundings reminiscent of Goodwood, bringing a flavour of the Home of Rolls-Royce to South Korea. 

Displays allow visitors to appreciate first-hand the depth of luxurious detailing that goes into crafting a Rolls-Royce and the wealth of Bespoke possitibilities offered, with an extensive range of examples of the wood, leather, paint and features available for their motor car. They will even be able to commission a Bespoke Rolls-Royce should they wish.

Guests will also have the opportunity to drive a variety of Rolls-Royce models on the facility’s 2.6 km closed circuit and surrounding roads. Instructors trained by the Rolls-Royce driving academy in Goodwood will offer bespoke experiences on the best way to ride in or drive a Rolls-Royce, bringing to life the legendary Magic Carpet Ride and helping discerning individuals understand the phenomenal and uniquely luxurious capabilities of a technically state-of-the-art Rolls-Royce.

Speaking at a press conference to inaugurate the Studio, Torsten Müller-Ötvös said, “South Korea is an increasingly popular destination for wealthy clientele in Asia, with Seoul flourishing as a luxury retail destination. 

As a luxury house with a busy clientele, we find it crucial to be able to interact with our customers in a more casual environment when they travel for business and leisure. South Korea is a country of growing importance to us as a business in Asia – last year vehicle deliveries here grew at the fastest rate in the region. 

We look forward to welcoming customers and people interested in Rolls-Royce to this new Studio from throughout South Korea and also around Asia.“

The Rolls-Royce Studio concept began in 2013 with the Rolls-Royce Studio in Cannes on the Cote d’Azur. In summer 2014 Rolls-Royce Motor Cars launched a second ‘Summer Studio’ at the exclusive enclave of Porto Cervo on the Costa Smeralda in Sardinia, Italy. 

The Porto Cervo Summer Studio this year marked its third year welcoming patrons from around the world. All Studios are united by the fact that they are more akin to a club or lounge than a traditional dealership environment.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Studio Overview

Start of operations:	1 November 2016
Facility size:	200 m2 (Car Gallery: 100m2; Atelier: 100m2)
Opening hours:	9.00am – 6.00pm Tuesday to Sunday (except New Year and Thanks Giving)
Address:	BMW Group Driving Centre, 1677-77, Unseo-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon, Korea

Two new dealerships open now in Japan with another lined up for next year to give that area a wide ranging spread of luxury cars.

• New showrooms in Nagoya and Fukuoka opened in 2016
• Hiroshima dealership in 2017 set to bring the total number of showrooms to six
• Future vision to strengthen aftersales and service network for growing customer base
• Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO expresses further commitment to Japan in visit to Tokyo, Yokohama and Nagoya
• Rolls-Royce confident of another strong year in Japan in 2016

During a visit to Japan, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, today announced plans for further network expansion in the region. In the first half of 2017, a new dealership in Hiroshima will become the sixth dealership in the country.

The Rolls-Royce dealer network has grown rapidly in recent years. In 2013, the Osaka showroom joined Tokyo and Yokohama as the third home for Rolls-Royce in Japan. 

In July 2016, the marque’s first Central Japan dealership opened its doors in the business powerhouse of Nagoya, followed soon after by the first Kyushu dealership in the thriving city of Fukuoka, which opened to customers in an interim capacity in September 2016. Hiroshima will be the first location for Rolls‑Royce in the Chugoku region.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös emphasised the importance of Japan for the sustainable growth of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Asia Pacific, stating, “Japan is the fourth largest single market for Rolls-Royce worldwide and we are confident of another strong year in 2016. Wraith, the powerful fastback coupé launched in 2013, is now our most popular model amongst Japanese customers, confirming that our new, more dynamic and contemporary design direction has been well received. Likewise, Dawn has been a phenomenal success and Japan constitutes our largest market in Asia for this model, with two thirds of customers new to Rolls-Royce. I could not think of a better time to strengthen our dealer network.”

Year to date, to the end of August, Rolls-Royce sales in Japan are up 23% over the same period of 2015. The 7^th generation Rolls-Royce Phantom, for which production will end this year, has also had a strong year here, demonstrating the timeless appeal of Rolls-Royce, a motor vehicle that transcends the automotive field as a Bespoke collector’s item for the connoisseur of true luxury. The 8^th generation of Rolls-Royce Phantom will arrive in 2018.

There is going to be a movie made which showcases the iconic and best car in the world, the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost.

Asif Kapadia is to direct the Martin Scorsese/Anthony Haas produced feature film drama SILVER GHOST. The project will be a co-production between Scorsese’s Sikelia Productions and Zuma Productions.

BAFTA Award winning Asif Kapadia, director of box office breaking films SENNA and Oscar nominated AMY, said, “What struck me when I read SILVER GHOST was how this true story weaves together the lives of five remarkable people that changed the destiny of the Western world and I am delighted to be working together with the legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese and Anthony Haas to bring it to the screen.”

Academy Award winning director Martin Scorsese remarks, "I’ve been captivated by the story of SILVER GHOST ever since Lord Richard Attenborough came to me with the project, and I’m thrilled that we’re going to be seeing it through.  It’s a project that requires a great and innovative storyteller, and that’s exactly what we have with Asif Kapadia.”

Developed by the late Academy Award winning director Richard Attenborough and producer Anthony Haas,SILVER GHOST tells the epic story of the iconic motor car, born out of an extraordinary odd-couple relationship between the maverick genius of Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, marking the genesis of aviation and all the courage and daredevilry that went with it.

Set at the turn of the last century, it delineates the fascinating story of Rolls and Royce and their close friendship with motoring pioneer Lord John Douglas-Scott Montagu, his relationship with his beautiful wife, Cis, and his secret affair with his secretary and mistress, Eleanor Velasco Thornton. Eleanor was the inspiration for the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy mascot, designed by British artist and sculptor, Charles Sykes that to this day adorns all Rolls-Royce cars.

“When Richard Attenborough was asked how he would like to be remembered, he replied ‘as a storyteller,’” said Anthony Haas.  “Asif also knows how to tell a deeply personal and epic story and SILVER GHOST is an amazing untold tale of the highs and lows of what makes us human.”

"SILVER GHOST covers the thrilling and tragic events during which one of the greatest engineering names in the world was created," said Sir Ralph Robins, past Chairman, Rolls-Royce plc.

Open letter from Rolls Royce with regards to the development of an all new all terrain model.

The launch of Phantom in 2003 marked the beginning of the renaissance of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Since then, we have set a new benchmark for what a super-luxury car should be – unique, hand-crafted, beautiful and rare. Often imitated, Phantom has never been equalled and continues to be hailed as ‘The Best Car in the World’ by our customers and media alike.

Twelve years later, after the introduction of successful new models like Ghost and Wraith, Rolls-Royce stands proudly at the pinnacle of British luxury manufacturing, confirming our custodianship of this precious marque.

Possible look of new Rolls Royce SUV

Now we have reached another seminal moment in Rolls-Royce’s 111-year journey.

Today we confirm that we are developing an all-new Rolls-Royce with exceptional presence, elegance and purpose:

• A car that offers the luxury of a Rolls-Royce in a vehicle that can cross any terrain
• A car that meets our customers’ highly mobile, contemporary lifestyle expectations
• A Rolls-Royce that is as much about the pioneering, adventurous spirit of Charles Rolls as it is about Sir Henry Royce’s dedication to engineering and innovation
• A car that appropriately reflects Rolls-Royce’s brand promise of effortless luxury
• A high-bodied car, with an all-new aluminium architecture
• A unique new motor car worthy of carrying the Spirit of Ecstasy into the future

This new Rolls-Royce will be Effortless ... Everywhere.

Many discerning customers have urged us to develop this new car – and we have listened. At Rolls-Royce Motor Cars we are uniquely focused on the desires of our customers and are driven by our own thirst to innovate. So we challenged our engineers and design team, led by Director of Design Giles Taylor, to create a different and exceptional new car.

This car will embody all the values and capabilities that drove our two Founding Fathers to secure Rolls-Royce’s reputation, early last century, by taking top honours in rigorous overland adventures such as the Scottish Reliability Trials, the London to Edinburgh event and the Alpine Trials.

Rolls-Royces conveyed pioneers and adventurers like Lawrence of Arabia across the vastness of unexplored deserts and over mountain ranges. In other parts of the world including Australia, India and the Americas, Rolls-Royces carried their owners over challenging terrain with absolute reliability and comfort.

History sets our precedent and our future calls us to action.

This new journey begins now. We will take our time in developing and perfecting this new concept in luxury. We will include our customers, enthusiasts and media along the way and will keep you informed of our progress.

Until then, rest assured, we are creating a motor car in the greatest traditions of our marque.

Sir Henry Royce famously said: “When it does not exist, design it”.

We are doing just that.

Rolls Royce gives Paddington Bear a makeover, all in the name of charity.

One of Britain’s best-loved children’s characters, Paddington Bear, has been given a Rolls-Royce Bespoke makeover as part of the Paddington Trail: an initiative that seeks to raise vital funds for the NSPCC ahead of the much anticipated UK release of the Paddington film on November 28.

Giles Taylor, Director of Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, created a design inspired by the marque’s founding forefather, famed racer and pioneer aviator the Hon. Charles Rolls. The Rolls-Royce Paddington cuts a sartorial dash in a brown leather duffel coat with cravat and hat ribbon in Rolls-Royce’s signature purple. Paddington’s outfit is complete with a pair of MK8 racing goggles that pay an elegant tribute to Rolls’ prowess as a gentleman racer.

50 statues of Paddington are set to be placed in landmarks across London from November 4, with visitors invited to observe them on a specially plotted Paddington Trail. Rolls-Royce’s Paddington will be placed in a most fitting location, opposite the marque’s landmark showroom in Mayfair’s Berkeley Square. He will stand on a plinth crafted to resemble the Pantheon grille that adorns every Rolls-Royce motor car and is finished in a specially created Bespoke mirror finish, echoing the marque’s emblematic Spirit of Ecstasy.

“It has given us great pleasure to support such a worthy cause by creating a Bespoke Paddington Bear,” said Giles Taylor, Director of Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Paddington is undoubtedly one of the nation’s best-loved characters; we were therefore honoured and delighted to be challenged with participating in the Paddington Trail. The Hon. Charles Rolls shared Paddington’s lust for adventure and exploration; he therefore proved the perfect inspiration for our interpretation of the world’s most famous bear.”

The statue was designed and crafted by the Bespoke craftspeople at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England – with associates from all departments dedicating time in aid of the NSPCC to ensure Paddington is in perfect order to meet his public. 

Visitors will be able to see the 50 Paddingtons, created by some of the UK’s leading designers, celebrities and artists from Tuesday 4 November 2014. An auction at Christies and a specially curated online sale will follow the release of the new Paddington movie on Friday 28 November. The film from STUDIOCANAL and Heyday Films is written and directed by Paul King (Bunny and the Bull, The Mighty Boosh), produced by David Heyman (Gravity, Harry Potter) and boasts an all-star cast including Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Peter Capaldi, Jim Broadbent and Nicole Kidman with Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington. All proceeds are set to go to the NSPCC and ChildLine.

Rolls Royce opens first dealership in Azerbaijan.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is delighted to announce the official opening of its first showroom in Azerbaijan – Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Baku. Located in the Azerbaijani capital, the new facility will be under the management of Improtex Motors, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ appointed dealer and representative in Azerbaijan.

The new 300 square metre showroom was unveiled by Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Torsten was accompanied by Hasan Ismayilov, General Manager, Improtex Motors and Aziz Alizade, Brand Manager, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Baku, as well as a host of distinguished public figures and VIP guests.

On the significance of the landmark opening for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Torsten Müller-Ötvös said, “I am thrilled to announce the opening of our first showroom in the Caucasus Region, and particularly in the vibrant city of Baku. The region has seen impressive economic growth, with an increasing demand from discerning customers for the pinnacle in luxury products. Azerbaijan, one of its key markets, boasts an already well-established luxury market and is widely considered to be the next global market opportunity.”

He continued, “Rolls-Royce Motor Cars continues to expand its business in a number of fast-growing emerging markets and so it is appropriate that we have a strong presence in Baku, a city in which we see a lot of potential. In Improtex Motors, we have a dealer partner with an excellent track record of success and high customer loyalty and I look forward to a long and successful partnership with them.”

Hasan Ismayilov said, “We are delighted and honoured to represent such a revered and pinnacle brand as Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Azerbaijan is rapidly evolving into a luxury destination and so we are excited to have the opportunity to add to its many distinctions.We look forward to delivering the uncompromised ownership experience that comes as standard with every Rolls‑Royce motor car and setting the benchmark for super-luxury in Azerbaijan.”

Located in the luxury district of Downtown Baku, the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Baku showroom accommodates three vehicles and has been designed to provide its discerning clientele with a relaxing atmosphere in which to commission their Rolls-Royce motor car. This state-of-the-art space will offer the Rolls-Royce hallmark Bespoke service, through a dedicated lounge. The Bespoke programme allows customers to configure their new Rolls-Royce to their individual taste with over 44,000 colour palettes and an unrivalled range of wood and leather finishes. The lounge enjoys a direct line to the Bespoke Studios at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England.

Rolls Royce presents new exhibition, "Inside Rolls Royce", a Free event for all.

• A series of free live exhibitions called ‘Inside Rolls-Royce’ presented by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
• First exhibition runs from 13 November until 16 November at Saatchi Gallery, London

Following the hugely positive reaction to this year’s Channel 4 television documentary about the brand, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has decided to engage directly with fans new and old in a series of free live exhibitions called ‘Inside Rolls-Royce’ presented by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

Appropriately for this most popular of great British brands, the first of these exhibitions will open in London on Thursday 13 November at Saatchi Gallery on London’s King’s Road and will remain open for just four days. It will then go on tour visiting major cities around the world throughout 2015.

‘Inside Rolls-Royce’ will treat guests to an unexpected multi-sensory journey through the marque’s world-renowned engineering, design and craftsmanship, providing new levels of insight into the remarkable lengths required to create the world’s pinnacle super-luxury motor car.

“The huge response to the Channel 4 documentary reminded us of the love people from all walks of life have for this standard-bearer of British excellence, and bears testament to the successful renaissance of Rolls-Royce over the last 11 years,” commented Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “It is only right that we give those people who support us free access to this great brand, and that this journey around the world begins in London, this most international of cities and the spiritual home of Rolls-Royce.”

Combining the latest technologies and design, ‘Inside Rolls-Royce’ delivers an engaging, interactive experience. Exhibits will be brought to life on visitors’ smartphones and tablets using the latest iBeacon technology. Loan devices will also be available so that nobody misses out. Guests will enjoy a taste of the enormous scope for personalisation afforded to every Rolls-Royce customer through the marque’s pinnacle Bespoke programme.

Each of the nine rooms at Saatchi Gallery will focus on one key aspect in the creation of a Rolls-Royce motor car. The first room brings Rolls-Royce’s palette of 44,000 paint colours to life through an innovative digital display. Visitors can select an item of their choice, place it onto the colour activation table and marvel as the room changes hue to match. They can then step into one of two paint pods each telling the story of the way Rolls-Royce creates paint.

Moving into the second room, visitors will see a breathtaking flying sculpture evoking a hallmark Rolls-Royce feature: the in-door umbrella. Eight individually bespoke umbrellas fly the length of the room, furling themselves by stages, until the last one slots neatly into the door of a Rolls-Royce Ghost.

The next room is inspired by Rolls-Royce Wraith’s starring role in Forza Motorsport 5, released earlier this year. Guests will receive the unique opportunity to configure their dream Wraith, then race against friends or compete for the best lap time. A selection of the highly advanced technology stories behind the Rolls-Royce driving experience are also revealed on touch screens.

Of course, no experience of Rolls-Royce would be the same without the personal touch of the people who bring each Rolls-Royce into existence. Expert craftspeople from the Home of Rolls‑Royce in Goodwood will demonstrate and explain their very particular and highly sought-after skills over the course of the exhibition.

The iconic Spirit of Ecstasy is next to take centre stage – and in a very personal manner. Every visitor will enjoy the opportunity to ‘Be The Spirit’ and briefly transform themselves into the iconic statuette that adorns every Rolls-Royce motor car. A video wall captures and emulates the movements of each guest through a beautiful and luxurious light particle animation.

Descending from this ethereal moment, the next experience celebrates the sheer beauty of the natural wood from all over the world that adorns the interior of a Rolls-Royce. Visitors are encouraged to feel the extraordinary walnut burls, each weighing more than 100kg, which will dominate the next room of the Gallery. These illustrate the highly skilled craftsmanship and various stages of a process that demonstrates the most exceptional use of natural wood in the world. Visitors also have the chance to engage with an intriguing multi-sensory screen that allows them to create their own unique patterns and comprehend the wonder of ‘book-matching’.

In the final room, a hidebound sculpture will deliver a new perspective on the other key ingredient of a Rolls-Royce interior: leather of unequalled quality. This life-size leather-clad speed-form demonstrates some of the skills involved in creating a beautiful interior as well as challenging the visitor to find the sweet spot from where the sculpture reveals its true form as a Rolls-Royce Wraith. 

The pièce de la résistance, of course, comes in the shape of the end result, where visitors will get the chance to get up-close and personal with the world’s finest motor car.