Breaking News English

The luxury car maker Rolls-Royce reported record sales for 2013. It's the fourth year in a row it has done this. It sold 3,630 cars because of strong demand in the Middle East and China. Buoyant sales in these markets saw sales increases of up to 17 per cent. Rolls-Royce sold cars in over 40 countries last year including new markets. There are plans to continue this global expansion. The company CEO said: "We have reported a strong year and have maintained our position at the [top] of the super-luxury market." Super-luxury means cars costing over $272,000.

The CEO said people buy a Rolls Royce because they want a brand unrivalled in luxury. He said: "It's the ultimate treat; the reward for hard work….Around 80 per cent of our cars are bought by businessmen and women, most of whom have started and run their own businesses. The rest are bought by sports stars and film stars." It's not just the super-rich who were buying the cars. The CEO said: "We are seeing a new group of individuals who have built up mid-sized businesses and they also want to treat themselves to the magic carpet ride." Businesswomen account for 10% of sales.