London dealer named for new BMW Rolls-Royce

JACK BARCLAY-HR OWEN, in Berkeley Square, is one of a handful of dealers chosen by BMW to sell the first new Rolls-Royce produced under the German company's banner in 2003.

The car will cost between 155,000 and 200,000, with deliveries to customers starting at the beginning of 2003, when BMW Group officially takes over responsibility for production and marketing of the marque from Volkswagen, said Fred Fruth, general manager for BMW Rolls-Royce project.

"These dealers were selected because we believe they have access to exactly the right customer-base for the new Rolls-Royce," said Fruth.

Production of the new model will be limited to 1,000 units a year with between 40 and 50 per cent of the plant's output destined for the US.

"We don't believe that the model will compete with any other marque," said Fruth. "And it is likely to be bought by people who already own between five and eight cars. Our research shows that the Rolls-Royce customer is very different to any other; they don't want to be linked with BMW cars in the same showroom, even top-range ones." Although full production will not start until the end of 2002, dealers have already taken orders, said Fruth.

By employing technology already proven in BMW models, Fruth said the company would save about 80 per cent of the new Rolls' development costs. "But this does not mean it will merely be a BMW 7- series with a different body. It will also feature the type of aluminium space-frame technology already seen in some larger Audis, which combines weight-saving and strength."

Other dealers selected by BMW to sell the new Rolls-Royce include William Jacks in Sunningdale and PA Wood in Colchester.

The finalisation of a new UK network of outlets for the luxury marque follows the granting at the end of August of planning permission for a new manufacturing plant and head office at Goodwood in West Sussex, in preparation for full production of the new Rolls- Royce at the beginning of 2003.

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