China is expected to replace Japan to become the third biggest market of auto maker Rolls-Royce this year, which proves the giant purchasing power of the newly rich in China again. 

Ian Robertson, Chairman of the board & CEO of Rolls-Royce told the Financial Times on 14 that the company was predicted to sell about 70 Phantom cars in China and 50 in Japan. The sales of the company in China includes those in Hongkong. Rolls-Royce delivered its largest order to date in Hongkong on 14 and gave keys of 14 Phantom Cars to Peninsula owned by Sir Michael Kadoorie. Rolls-Royce is the the landmark enterprise in Britain, which is owned by Germany auto maker BMW.

It is learned that the retail price of Phantom series is about USD400,000. Hower, the after-tax price in mainland, China and Hongkong is twice higher than this figure. The custom requirement of the individual purchasers may significantly increase the selling price of phantom. Rolls-Royce sold the most expensive car to date to a real estate developer in Beijing. This customized Phantom car costs USD2 million.

Rolls-Royce will set up three distribution sites in China’s main economic center inclusive of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. It will establish three more in Hangzhou, Chengdu and Shenzhen next year.

It is understood that although Rolls-Royce is predicted to sell 800 Phantom cars this year and China took a proportion of nearly 10%, Rolls-Royce’s market in China still fell behind two main markets US and Britain. Due to the remarkable consumption capabilities, the sales volume of Rolls-Royce will be as high as about 130 cars in California alone this year.