When people talk about luxury cars, Rolls-Royce often comes to mind as the ultimate symbol of wealth and prestige. Many wonder who actually owns this iconic brand with its famous Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has been a wholly owned subsidiary of BMW AG since 2003. However, the Rolls-Royce name and logo have a complex ownership history.
The story of Rolls-Royce ownership is fascinating and involves some surprising twists. The company was originally founded in 1906 by Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, but today’s Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is quite different from the original company.
BMW acquired the rights to the Rolls-Royce name for automobiles after a complicated series of business deals that separated the car manufacturing from the aerospace company.
Today, while BMW owns the car company, the aerospace company Rolls-Royce plc operates separately under Rolls-Royce Holdings. The two businesses share a name and heritage but are completely different companies with different ownership structures, which often confuses people looking into who truly “owns” Rolls-Royce.
Key Takeaways
- BMW AG has owned Rolls-Royce Motor Cars since 2003, producing some of the world’s most luxurious automobiles.
- The Rolls-Royce name has a split ownership structure with the automotive and aerospace businesses operating as separate companies.
- Despite changes in ownership, Rolls-Royce vehicles maintain their reputation for handcrafted luxury and exceptional quality.
History of Rolls-Royce
The story of Rolls-Royce began in 1904 when Henry Royce was introduced to Charles Rolls in Manchester. Henry Royce was already running his own electrical and mechanical business at that time.
Charles Stewart Rolls came from a wealthy background, born in 1877 in London’s Berkeley Square as the son of Lord and Lady Llangattock. After attending Eton, he continued his education and developed an interest in automobiles.
The two men formed an alliance that would change automotive history. Their partnership led to the creation of Rolls-Royce Limited in 1906, a company dedicated to building “the best car in the world.”
The early Rolls-Royce cars quickly gained a reputation for reliability and quality. Their most famous early model, the Silver Ghost, was praised for its quiet engine and smooth performance.
Throughout the 20th century, Rolls-Royce continued to produce luxury vehicles that became symbols of wealth and prestige. They also developed aircraft engines that played crucial roles in both World Wars.
In 1998, a significant change occurred when BMW licensed the rights to the Rolls-Royce brand name and created Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited as a wholly owned subsidiary.
The brand’s connection to Bentley Heritage began in 1931 when Rolls-Royce purchased Bentley Motors. Both brands have since become icons in the world of luxury Classic Motor Cars.
Today, Rolls-Royce continues to handcraft some of the world’s most exclusive automobiles, maintaining the founders’ commitment to excellence.
Current Ownership
Rolls-Royce has changed hands several times over its long history. Today, the famous luxury car brand sits under BMW Group ownership, while other parts of the Rolls-Royce business operate separately.
BMW Group Acquisition
BMW Group acquired the rights to the Rolls-Royce brand name, logo, and emblem in 1998. This came after a complex business deal involving Vickers, who owned Rolls-Royce Motors at the time.
The acquisition wasn’t straightforward. BMW initially supplied engines to Rolls-Royce cars, giving them a connection to the brand. When Vickers decided to sell Rolls-Royce Motors, many expected BMW would be the buyer.
However, in a surprising turn, Volkswagen outbid BMW for the physical assets of the company – the factory, designs, and production facilities. But there was a catch! They didn’t get the rights to the Rolls-Royce name and logo.
BMW cleverly secured these crucial brand elements separately. After negotiations, BMW officially took control of the Rolls-Royce car brand in 2003.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Today, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars operates as a subsidiary of BMW Group. The company maintains its distinctive British heritage while benefiting from BMW’s technical expertise and financial resources.
BMW built a new, state-of-the-art production facility at Goodwood in West Sussex, England. This location was chosen to maintain the brand’s British identity.
The company focuses exclusively on ultra-luxury vehicles. Under BMW’s ownership, Rolls-Royce has expanded its model range to include vehicles like the Ghost, Phantom, Cullinan SUV, and Wraith.
BMW has been careful to preserve the unique character and craftsmanship that Rolls-Royce is famous for. Each car is still hand-built with meticulous attention to detail, maintaining the brand’s reputation for excellence.
Volkswagen and Bentley
When the ownership battle settled, Volkswagen retained ownership of the Bentley brand and the historic factory in Crewe, England. This was part of the original Rolls-Royce and Bentley manufacturing operation.
Volkswagen invested heavily in Bentley, positioning it as their ultra-luxury brand. Under VW’s ownership, Bentley has thrived as a separate entity from Rolls-Royce.
The two brands that once shared a company are now competitors in the ultra-luxury market. Each has developed its own distinct identity under their respective German parent companies.
Volkswagen’s acquisition of Bentley created an interesting parallel development, with two historic British luxury brands now being overseen by Germany’s two largest automakers.
Both brands maintain their British heritage and craftsmanship while benefiting from the engineering expertise and financial stability of their German parent companies.
Brand and Logo
The Rolls-Royce brand is known worldwide for its luxury and prestige. The company’s identity is built around two iconic elements that have become synonymous with automotive excellence.
The Spirit of Ecstasy
The Spirit of Ecstasy is the famous hood ornament that adorns Rolls-Royce vehicles. This elegant flying lady figurine was designed by sculptor Charles Sykes in 1911.
The figurine depicts a woman leaning forward with her arms outstretched behind, as if embracing the wind. Her flowing robes resemble wings, giving her a mystical appearance.
Originally called “The Spirit of Speed,” this mascot became a standard feature on all Rolls-Royce cars. Modern versions can retract into the hood for safety and security.
The Spirit of Ecstasy represents more than just a hood ornament. It embodies the pursuit of perfection that defines the Rolls-Royce brand.
The Rolls-Royce Name
The Rolls-Royce name comes from the partnership of two automotive pioneers: Charles Rolls and Henry Royce. They first met in 1904 and formed their legendary company.
Charles Rolls was a car dealer and entrepreneur with a passion for quality automobiles. Henry Royce was an engineer who had built his first car in 1904.
Their partnership was built on a shared commitment to excellence. Royce would design and build the cars, while Rolls would sell them.
Interestingly, it was Claude Johnson, a business partner of Rolls, who helped develop the brand identity. He is sometimes called the “hyphen in Rolls-Royce” for his important role in establishing the company’s image.
Today, the Rolls-Royce name continues to represent the pinnacle of luxury automobiles and is owned by BMW, who acquired the rights to the brand name, logo, and emblem.
Models and Manufacturing
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars produces luxury vehicles at their exclusive facility in England. Their lineup includes several prestigious models known for craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Goodwood Factory
The Rolls-Royce Motor Cars production facility at Goodwood in West Sussex, England serves as the heart of their manufacturing operations. This state-of-the-art facility opened in 2003 after BMW took ownership of the brand.
The Goodwood factory employs skilled craftspeople who hand-build each vehicle. Unlike mass-production factories, Goodwood operates more like a workshop where attention to detail is paramount.
Each Rolls-Royce takes approximately 450 hours to complete, with some custom models requiring even more time. The facility includes special areas for woodworking, leather crafting, and paintwork.
Visitors can tour the factory by appointment, giving them a glimpse into the meticulous process behind these luxury automobiles.
Notable Car Models
The BMW ownership era of Rolls-Royce began with the Phantom VII in 2003. This flagship model revitalized the brand’s reputation for luxury and excellence.
Other popular models include:
- Ghost: A slightly smaller sedan introduced in 2009
- Wraith: The powerful coupé version of the Ghost platform
- Dawn: A convertible model launched in 2015
- Cullinan: The brand’s first SUV, released in 2018
The original Royce 10 from the early partnership between Charles Rolls and Henry Royce helped establish the company’s reputation for quality. Today, Rolls-Royce vehicles are sold through exclusive dealerships in major cities worldwide.
Each model maintains the signature Rolls-Royce features: the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, coach doors, and unparalleled interior comfort.
Experience Rolls-Royce
Owning a Rolls-Royce is more than just having a luxury car – it’s an entire experience. The company offers several ways for owners and enthusiasts to connect with the brand beyond just driving.
Factory Tours
Rolls-Royce offers exclusive tours of their Goodwood facility where these magnificent vehicles are hand-crafted. These tours provide a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the meticulous process of creating each motor car.
Visitors can witness skilled craftspeople working on custom interiors and see the attention to detail that makes each Rolls-Royce special. The Goodwood Factory Tours are typically available by appointment only and are often reserved for current or prospective owners.
During the tour, guests explore the various studios named after the company’s founders – the Goodwood Studio, the Rolls Study, and the Royce Atelier. Each area showcases different aspects of the manufacturing process.
Tours usually last about three hours and include refreshments. Photography may be restricted in certain areas to protect proprietary techniques and customer privacy.
My Rolls-Royce Portal
Rolls-Royce owners gain access to an exclusive online portal called “My Rolls-Royce.” This digital platform enhances the ownership experience by providing personalized services and information.
Through the portal, owners can:
- Schedule maintenance appointments
- Access documentation about their specific vehicle
- Receive updates about events and gatherings
- Connect with their dedicated customer service representative
The portal also offers insights into the four-year ownership package that comes with each new Rolls-Royce. This comprehensive program covers maintenance, roadside assistance, and other services to ensure a worry-free experience.
Owners can customize their digital profile to match their preferences. The system remembers their choices and provides tailored information relevant to their model and region.
Brochure Requests
For those interested in learning more about Rolls-Royce models, the brand offers detailed brochures showcasing their current lineup. These publications feature stunning photography and comprehensive specifications.
Brochures can be requested through the official Rolls-Royce website or at any authorized dealership. Digital versions are immediately available, while physical copies may be delivered by mail.
Each brochure highlights the unique features of models like the Phantom, Ghost, Cullinan, and Spectre. They also include information about customization options through the Bespoke program.
The materials are crafted with the same attention to detail as the cars themselves. High-quality paper, elegant design, and exceptional photography create an immersive introduction to the Rolls-Royce world.
Prospective buyers often collect these brochures as the first step in their journey toward Rolls-Royce ownership.
Education and Career Opportunities
Rolls-Royce offers various pathways for individuals interested in joining the prestigious company. These range from formal apprenticeships to professional development programs designed to nurture talent at all career stages.
Apprenticeships and Internships
Rolls-Royce provides comprehensive apprenticeship and internship opportunities for those looking to start their careers in the automotive or aerospace industries. These programs are designed to develop fresh talent while promoting diversity in thinking and approaches.
The company actively seeks graduates from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to bring new perspectives to their teams. Apprenticeships typically combine practical work experience with formal education, giving participants valuable hands-on skills.
Interns at Rolls-Royce benefit from mentorship programs and real-world project experience. These positions often serve as pathways to permanent roles within the company.
The company’s commitment to talent development is evident in their learning and career development programs that help employees grow professionally while contributing to innovative projects.
Work Experience Placements
Work experience placements at Rolls-Royce offer students and early-career professionals a taste of life in a world-class engineering and manufacturing environment. These shorter-term opportunities provide valuable industry exposure and practical skills.
Participants gain insights into how a high-performing, competitive company operates while building their professional networks. Many placements include rotations through different departments to provide a well-rounded experience.
Rolls-Royce also partners with educational institutions to create structured work experience programs. These collaborations help identify promising talent early.
For executives, the company offers specialized development. They’ve partnered with Tuck Executive Education to prepare high-potential leaders for senior roles, demonstrating their commitment to professional growth at all levels.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Rolls-Royce has formed many important partnerships to stay at the cutting edge of technology and luxury. These collaborations help them maintain their reputation for excellence.
One significant partnership is with Infosys, a global technology company. The two companies have extended their strategic collaboration by launching a joint Aerospace Engineering and Digital Innovation Centre in India.
Rolls-Royce believes strongly in the power of working together with other companies. Caroline Gorski from Rolls-Royce has highlighted that collaboration is the best way to progress, which has led them to grow a large innovation network.
The luxury brand also partners with other high-end companies. For example, they collaborated with BOVET 1822, a Swiss watchmaker. This partnership resulted in two tourbillon timepieces engineered alongside a custom Rolls-Royce.
Rolls-Royce isn’t just about engineering – they also embrace art and creativity. They’ve launched partnerships with artists like Javier Calleja and creative brand AllRightsReserved in Greater China.
Another notable collaboration was with Hermès, the French luxury goods maker. Together they created a bespoke Phantom, handcrafted by a combined team from both companies.
Customer Services
Rolls-Royce provides exceptional service experiences for owners that match the luxury standard of their vehicles. Their customer support spans from personalized dealership interactions to comprehensive post-purchase assistance.
Authorized Dealership Network
The Rolls-Royce Motor Cars brand maintains an exclusive global network of Authorized Dealerships that serve as the primary contact points for customers. These carefully selected dealerships represent the brand’s commitment to excellence and luxury.
Each Rolls-Royce Dealership features showrooms designed to create an immersive brand experience. Sales specialists receive specialized training to guide potential buyers through the customization process, helping them create truly personalized vehicles.
Dealerships are strategically located in major cities worldwide, with contact numbers dedicated to specific regions. Customers in the USA and Canada can reach dealerships at +1 877 671 3039, while Brazilian customers have access to +55 11 307 903 77 for assistance with their luxury vehicle needs.
After-Sale Support
Rolls-Royce provides comprehensive after-sale support through dedicated customer relations teams accessible via phone and email. In the UK, customers can contact support at +44 (0) 1243 384300, while North American clients have a dedicated line at +1 877 877 3735.
The brand’s customer service extends beyond typical support with:
- 24/7 roadside assistance worldwide
- Specialized technical support from factory-trained technicians
- Regular maintenance reminders and service scheduling
- Digital owner portals for vehicle information access
Rolls-Royce also offers a structured client complaints procedure to address any concerns that might arise. This ensures every customer interaction maintains the prestigious standards expected from one of the world’s most luxurious automotive brands.
Certificate of Conformity
The Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is an essential document provided to Rolls-Royce owners confirming their vehicle meets all European regulatory standards. This official document contains detailed technical specifications of the vehicle and serves as proof of compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
Owners can request their Certificate of Conformity directly through their Authorized Dealership or via the customer relations department. The document is particularly important for:
- Vehicle registration in certain countries
- Importing vehicles across international borders
- Verification during ownership transfers
- Authentication of vehicle specifications
Processing times for Certificate of Conformity requests typically range from 5-10 business days. Rolls-Royce maintains meticulous records of all vehicles produced, allowing them to provide accurate documentation even for older models in their heritage program.
Merchandise and Lifestyle
Rolls-Royce offers more than just luxury cars. The company has created an entire lifestyle collection for enthusiasts who want to bring the Rolls-Royce experience into other aspects of their lives.
Fans of the brand can purchase a variety of high-quality items that reflect the craftsmanship and elegance associated with Rolls-Royce. These products range from clothing to accessories and collectibles.
One popular item in their collection is the 1:8 scale model of Rolls-Royce vehicles. These detailed miniatures capture the essence of the full-sized automobiles with remarkable precision.
The merchandise available through Rolls-Royce connects owners and admirers to the brand in ways that go beyond driving. Items often feature the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy emblem or other distinctive Rolls-Royce design elements.
For those who appreciate the finer things in life, the Rolls-Royce lifestyle collection provides opportunities to experience the brand’s luxury philosophy in everyday items. The collection is carefully curated to maintain the exclusivity and quality standards that Rolls-Royce is known for.
BMW’s ownership of Rolls-Royce has allowed for expanded merchandise options while maintaining the brand’s prestigious image. This has helped create additional revenue streams beyond vehicle sales.
