Rolls-Royce sales up by 64 per cent

Luxury car company Rolls-Royce enjoyed a big increase in worldwide sales in the first half of this year.

A total of 1,592 cars were delivered to customers in January-June - a 64% increase on the first half of 2010.

The half-year figures were the best since Germany's BMW took over Rolls-Royce in 2003.

Sales growth was seen in all regions, with a particularly strong performance in Asia Pacific (up by more than 170%), the Middle East (up more than 40%) and the US (also up more than 40%).

In Europe, strong performance was seen in Germany, with sales increasing by nearly 60%.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars chief executive Torsten Muller-Otvos said: "This is an excellent half-year result and demonstrates the confidence that our customers have in our company and our products."