Rolls-Royce plans to expand its dealer network in India to bring its cars closer to customers.
“India is one of the major markets for us in Asia. It is the second largest after China. But there is still room for our dealer network to grow in South India. At the moment, our dealers are doing a great job but they are forced to transport the cars over long distances. Our network needs to grow there to bring the cars closer to our customers,” said Mr Torsten Muller-Otvos, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
Rolls Royce has two dealerships in Mumbai and New Delhi, and plans to open a dealership each in Punjab and Hyderabad, said Mr Otvos.
“Rolls Royce has always been profitable in India. The Indian market is growing and it has developed tremendously compared with China. People are getting wealthier here and we should do well in the future,” he said.
Mr Otvos said that Rolls Royce targets to sell more than 100 cars in India next year. In 2010, the company sold 80 cars which was a seven-fold increase over its sales in the previous year.
Growth in the number of billionaires in India has in recent times led to a spurt in demand for premium and luxury vehicles. The UK-based Rolls-Royce sells sedans from its two brands Phantom and Ghost in India. Its cheapest sedan, Ghost, sells for Rs 2.70 crore in the Indian market.