Rolls-Royce sales hit record despite crisis

Luxury British carmaker Rolls-Royce said Thursday its sales rose in 2012 despite global economic uncertainty to hit a new record.

The brand owned by Germany’s BMW said it sold 3,575 vehicles in 2012 “which represents the third consecutive record and the best sales result in the marque’s 108-year history.”

That represents an increase of around 1 percent from 2011 sales.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said it remained the leader in the ultra-luxury segment of vehicles costing above 200,000 euros ($265,000).

It said that the United States overtook China to regain the number one regional position.