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Rolls-Royce Motor cars celebrates and looks back at its 116-year history, as it was in 1904 that Charles Rolls first met Henry Royce at the Midland Hotel in Manchester. After this historic encounter, the first motor vehicle would be produced and the automotive luxury world would be synonymous to the names Rolls and Royce. And today also marks the day Rolls-Royce restores production at its factory in the UK after the lifting of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.
Looking back at the historic meeting between Rolls and Royce, where Rolls declared Royce was one of the greatest engineers in the world, together both of them went on to create many historic marketing feats that became synonymous to the Rolls-Royce brand philosophy. The duo set out to make the best motoring car in the world and they also had a great tagline that said “Take the best that exists and make it better,” as quoted by Charles Royce, who himself was an accomplished motorist and had a great experience in selling fine motor cars. Together, they managed to see the growth of the brand and its reputation globally.
The company throughout its long history has faced many challenges. Rolls- Royce endured one of the greatest pandemics of the 20th-century, the Spanish flu that swept across the world. It’s lasted through the Great Depression that wiped out most of the global economy. Rolls-Royce also withstood the constant shift in global politics and in recent years, has also survived the 2008 financial crisis. So, the Covid-19 crisis it is just another hurdle Rolls-Royce would have to endure.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, "We are living through historic times. Our primary focus is, of course, on safely resuming production at the home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex; but in marking this amazing anniversary, we are taking a moment to reflect on what 116 years have taught us."
He added, "As a company, we can draw strength from the knowledge that although Rolls-Royce has faced uncertainty many times over the years, it has emerged more resilient and confident, with its fundamental principles unaltered. Our present challenges may be unprecedented, but as we look to the future, I am confident there is no company in the world better prepared to overcome them."
Rolls-Royce, on its social media handles, highlighted the fact that working from home is a new experience for this current generation but however for Sir Henry Royce it was a regular day for him as he designed his motor vehicles and produce them in his private studio at home that is just 12 km from the present-day manufacturing factory. He said that he found clarity and inspiration along with creative energy from the solitude of walking from his private studio instead of the hustle and bustle of the factory. Additionally, Rolls-Royce also worked on iconic aeronautical engines. Among them was the Marlin engine that powered the Spitfire, which was of great assistance during World War II. Rolls-Royce commemorated this feat, releasing a special Wraith Eagle VII, limited to 50 examples, last year.
