Rolls-Royce have a reputation for producing memorable cars and the trend is set to continue with the unveiling of the first SUV. Called the Cullinan, the car could potentially be the most important vehicle Rolls-Royce has made since it acquired BMW 20 years ago. The name of the car comes from the largest diamond ever discovered, with chief executive Tortsen Muller-Otvos describing the motor as being of “such clarity of purpose, such flawless quality and preciousness, and such presence that it recalibrates the scale and possibility of true luxury – just like the Cullinan diamond.”
The Cullinan is predicted to dramatically increase sales for Rolls-Royce. Paul Newton, director of automotive at IHS said he’s predicting Cullinan sales of 1600 by 2020. “The Cullinan would augment sales. Buyers are the people who already have the saloon or coupe. The Cullinan will be their weekend car that they can put the kids in, the other for everyday use.”
Rolls-Royce is the latest manufacturer to move into SUVs, which has proven to be a lucrative business for other companies. According to Professor David Bailey of Aston University “Rolls had to get into this sector where there is massive growth – rivals like Bentley’s Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus are already around. But look at Roll’s history – some of its first cars crossed some pretty rough terrain so you could say it has got experience in the sector.”
Bailey suggested China and the Middle East could be important markets for the Cullinan. If the predictions are correct then it may put pressure on Rolls-Royce’s plant on a greenfield site that used to be part of the Earl of March’s Goodwood estate in West Sussex. The capacity of the factory is already thought to be taxed, so extending the plant could be a challenge.
Although no price has been disclosed for the Cullinan, it’s been said it will be around £250,000. If buyers intended to personale the car then the price could easily double.
Image credit: Telegraph
