While many people are concerned about soaring inflation and the possibility of a recession, the world’s wealthiest continue to spend on high-end automobiles.
In particular, Bugatti had a record-breaking year as they delivered more cars in 2022 than ever before. Of course, this being Bugatti, the numbers are tiny as the brand delivered a mere 80 units globally.
That’s a drop in the bucket compared to most automakers, but Bugatti produced and delivered a number of notable vehicles including all 10 Centodiecis, the last Chiron and Chiron Sport for Europe, and the final nine Chiron Super Sport 300+ hypercars. The brand also finished the 400th Chiron, which means there are only 100 units left until production comes to a close.
While 2023 is just getting underway, Bugatti is already looking to the future and noted additional showrooms are slated to open later this year. Mate Rimac also hinted at new developments by saying “Bugatti will strive to remain at the pinnacle of true automobile performance, design, technology and the finest craftsmanship. Ettore Bugatti once said, ‘If comparable, it is no longer Bugatti’. This vision is as true today as it ever has been and we look forward to revealing more in the second half of 2023.”
Also: Bugatti Chiron Profileé Is A One-Off Pur Sport That Doesn’t Skimp On Luxury
Bugatti wasn’t the only brand to have a banner year as Rolls-Royce posted record sales of 6,021 units in 2022. CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös noted this was the first time the company delivered more than 6,000 vehicles in a year and said there’s been “strong demand across our entire product portfolio.” Speaking of the latter, advance orders have been “secured far into 2023.”
Besides posting record sales, Rolls-Royce revealed a record number of customers have been ordering bespoke commissions. These are most popular with Middle Eastern customers and the company noted clients are willing to pay an average of around €500,000 ($536,675 / £440,405 ) for their unique Rolls-Royce.
Sales increased 8%, compared to 2021, with almost all markets posting gains. However, the Greater China region saw a single-digit drop in sales due to “ongoing headwinds.” Thankfully for Rolls-Royce, this decline was offset by record sales in several individual markets including Germany and the United Kingdom.
Bentley also saw a record-breaking result as sales increased four percent to 15,174 units. The company said this “significant achievement” was driven by new model introductions, increasing demand for Mulliner personalization, and new plug-in hybrids.
The Bentayga remains the brand’s best-selling vehicle and accounted for 42% of total sales. The company says this made it the “most successful luxury SUV in the world.”
Bentley sales were up in most major markets, except in China where they fell 9% to 3,655 units. Despite the drop, the country remained Bentley’s second-largest market behind the United States.
