famous British brand, but that’s not to say it
isn’t keeping apace with the latest innovations.
Müller-Ötvös reveals that his team at
Goodwood has already been working with
more “technical fi bers” where the interior is
concerned, while 2016’s Vision Next 100
concept car dabbled with silks, wools and rare
woods, while showcasing a cabin that put
interactive technology at the forefront of its
design approach with a giant OLED screen.
However, the man in charge of Rolls-Royce
says that, unlike its BMW brethren, there
hasn’t been a rush to ensure its vehicles are
more sustainable or environmentally-friendly,
as his customer base already consider the
opulent woods, leathers and other materials as
‘very organic’.
“When we talk about sustainability, we have
to remember that 75% of Rolls-Royces ever
built in our 115-year history are still on the
road. That gives you an indication of the
excellent materials we select and the quality of
engineering. The same will apply to these cars
here today,” he says.
In an industry where shared mobility,
ride-sharing and alternative forms of
transportation is very much on the agenda,
a brand like Rolls-Royce can feel a little out of
step with the conversation.
But as Müller-Ötvös points out, constant
dialogue with his clientele reveals a strong
backlash towards the idea of “everybody sitting
in little white cocoons driving around the city.”
“As long as we have people that are very
a uent, you will always see a diff erent level of
transportation,” he claims, as he points out
that the ultra-luxury market will only thrive as
100 // July 2019 // www.electrichybridvehicletechnology.com
“When we talk about sustainability,
we have to remember that 75% of
Rolls-Royces ever built in our 115-
year history are still on the road”
the remainder of the automotive landscape
changes around it.
The next 10 years will be an extremely
challenging time for many auto makers but it is
a challenge Rolls-Royce is ready to accept. “I’d
say the automotive industry has the most
remarkable 10 years ahead of it. Rolls-Royce
will follow many of these upcoming trends and
we will make sure the brand will live on. And
for that reason, electrifi cation is a must. Even if
we didn’t have lots of customers asking us for
an electric vehicle, we would still explore this
avenue to make sure the brand continues its
success in the future,” he says.
It is claimed that both Charles Rolls and
Henry Royce both had a part in numerous
electric car projects as early as the 1890s, so
perhaps the thought of a battery-powered
Phantom isn’t so inconceivable after all. Even
if it does take its time to arrive.
5. Details on the 102EX
include a glowing Spirit
of Ecstacy
6. As you’d expect,
Rolls-Royce charging
stations are in keeping
with the brand’s premium
feel and fi nish
7. Under the hood the
102EX concept is
anything but conventional
7
5
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OEM INTERVIEW | ROLLS-ROYCE
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