Rolls-Royce to extend manufacturing at Goodwood with £300m investment

Rolls-Royce has revealed it was pumping in over £300 million to extend its manufacturing facility at Goodwood, West Sussex to meet growing demand for bespoke models.

The group said it was the single largest injection of capital since the plant opened on January 1, 2003 and would create additional space for its "increasingly complex and high-value" bespoke and coachbuild projects.

It also noted that 2024 had been a record year for bespoke, with a 10 percent increase in content value per motor car year-on-year, the third-best sales result in the company’s history.

The cash will also ready the facility for the marque's transition to an all-battery electric vehicle (BEV) future, it added.

Chris Brownridge, chief executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: "2024’s record Bespoke results demonstrate our clients are increasingly drawn to the marque to create ever more ambitious and valuable motor cars, thereby enjoying the exceptional and highly personalised experience that Rolls-Royce ownership unlocks.

"This underscores our commitment to creating value for our clients and those with a stake in our business."

Rolls said that 5,712 motor cars were delivered in 2024 - the third-highest annual sales figure on record.

There was also the introduction of a record four new models last year- the Cullinan Series II and Ghost Series II, together with the respective Black Badge models.

It was also the first full year of sales for Rolls-Royce Spectre, which proved even more popular than expected. The vehicle was the most requested Rolls-Royce model in Europe last year and the second most demanded globally.

In terms of worldwide sales, the firm said, sales presented a balanced picture - led by North America and Europe.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars concluded that it was looking forward with confidence to 2025 when it will be unveiling its next electric motor car.