Rolls-Royce Expands to Meet Demand for Custom Cars

Lesson made on January 9, 2025

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Reading Lesson:

Rolls-Royce, a luxury carmaker, is spending over £300 million to expand its factory in Goodwood, England. This is to meet the rising demand for custom-made cars. These cars, often tailored with unique features like holographic paint or gold details, are sold to wealthy buyers at high prices.

Rolls-Royce cars come with a high price tag, starting at approximately £250,000 for the Ghost. Other models, such as the Cullinan SUV and the electric Spectre, begin at around £340,000, and fully customized versions are priced even higher. The company refuses to say how expensive these custom cars are.

In 2024, Rolls-Royce sold fewer cars than in 2023, but the total sales value was higher because more customers ordered these personalized models. While the company faces challenges like lower sales in China, it remains strong in other markets, including the US.

Rolls-Royce is preparing for a future with electric vehicles as the UK plans to stop selling petrol and diesel cars by 2030. However, the company hasn’t decided if it will stop making traditional engine cars for overseas customers by then. Rolls-Royce’s CEO said the company has a clear plan for the future, including electric vehicles.

According to a United Nations report, 733 million people don’t have enough food to eat. According to Forbes Magazine, there are almost 3000 billionaires in the world today.

Comprehension Questions:

1. Why is Rolls-Royce expanding its factory in Goodwood?

a) To make cheaper cars for a wider audience.
b) To produce more custom-made cars for wealthy customers.
c) To stop making traditional engine cars.
d) To improve car production efficiency and lower prices.

2. What are the Ghost, Cullinan, and Spectre?

a) Types of Rolls-Royce cars.
b) Customized Rolls-Royce cars made only for wealthy buyers.
c) Other car manufacturers.
d) Famous European influencers on Instagram.

3. Which of these statements is true?

a) Rolls-Royce sold more cars in 2024 than 2023.
b) Total sales have gone up in 2024.
c) Sales in the US have gone down.
d) Rolls-Royce’s total sales have gone down.

4. What is Rolls-Royce’s plan for the future of electric vehicles?

a) The company plans to stop making petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
b) Rolls-Royce will make only electric vehicles after 2030.
c) The company has no plans to make electric vehicles.
d) The company plans to make electric vehicles in the future.

5. Which of these statements is NOT true?

a) Rolls-Royce sells more expensive cars than regular vehicles.
b) Rolls-Royce is making plans for electric vehicles in the future.
c) Rolls-Royce stopped making traditional cars in 2024.
d) Rolls-Royce sells custom cars with unique features.

6. Why is the price of custom-made Rolls-Royce cars higher than standard models?

a) They are made with expensive materials and features.
b) They have electric engines.
c) They have fewer features than standard models.
d) Rolls-Royce gives discounts for custom cars.

7. What is the reason for Rolls-Royce’s decision to expand its factory?

a) To meet the increasing demand for custom-made cars.
b) To produce cheaper cars for more people.
c) To prepare for a shortage of employees.
d) To develop new features for self-driving cars.

8. From the context of the article, what are “overseas customers”?

a) Customers who want to buy boats.
b) Customers who live on small islands that don’t have roads.
c) Customers who live near the coast.
d) Customers from other countries.

9. How does the last paragraph connect Rolls-Royce’s business decisions to broader global issues?

a) By showing that Rolls-Royce is supporting food distribution programs.
b) By contrasting luxury consumption with global poverty and wealth inequality.
c) By discussing the effects of pollution caused by car engines.
d) By highlighting the company’s commitment to affordable car production.

10. What is the main idea of the article?

a) Rolls-Royce is making cheaper cars for more people.
b) Rolls-Royce is expanding its factory to meet the demand for custom-made cars.
c) Rolls-Royce is reducing its prices to sell more cars.
d) Rolls-Royce is stopping the production of petrol and diesel cars.

Speaking and Writing Activities:

– Discuss these questions with a partner or a small group.

– Choose one topic and write a response to it. Show your writing to a classmate or teacher.

If you could design a luxury car, what features would it have?
Do you think electric engines will completely replace traditional engines in the future?
Should we try to reduce the number of billionaires in the world? How?

Tell me about the history of Rolls-Royce.

Rolls-Royce is a famous British company known for making luxury cars and aircraft engines. It was founded in 1904 by two men: Charles Rolls and Henry Royce. Charles Rolls was a wealthy man who loved cars, while Henry Royce was an engineer who had a passion for building high-quality machines. Together, they created cars that were unlike any others, known for their smoothness, power, and style.

The first Rolls-Royce car, the Rolls-Royce 10 hp, was introduced in 1904. It was a success because of its reliability and craftsmanship. Over the years, the company continued to improve its vehicles, making them symbols of wealth and success. By 1925, Rolls-Royce became famous for making the “Silver Ghost,” a car considered by many to be the finest in the world.

In addition to luxury cars, Rolls-Royce became a leader in making aircraft engines, particularly during and after World War I. The company’s engines powered many military planes. After the war, Rolls-Royce continued to innovate, creating engines for civilian aircraft as well. Their engines became essential for many airlines around the world.

Over time, Rolls-Royce expanded its business to include more industries, but its focus on quality and engineering excellence remained. The company faced challenges, especially in the 1970s when it ran into financial trouble. Despite this, it continued to grow and adapt, especially in the aerospace sector.

Today, Rolls-Royce is known not only for its cars but also for its advanced engineering in aviation, helping to power many of the world’s commercial and military aircraft. The company’s reputation for quality and innovation continues to this day, making it a global leader in both luxury vehicles and aerospace technology.

What are Rolls-Royce’s top-selling cars?

Rolls-Royce has a number of cars that have become very popular and are known for their luxury and high performance. One of their top-selling cars is the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, an SUV that combines the comfort and craftsmanship Rolls-Royce is famous for with the ability to travel on rougher roads. The Cullinan is large, with a powerful engine and an interior that includes the finest materials, making it a popular choice for those who want a luxury SUV.

Another top-selling model is the Rolls-Royce Phantom. This sedan is one of the most famous cars in the world, known for its elegance and advanced features. The Phantom is very large and can be customized to the owner’s preferences, from the leather seats to the advanced technology. It has a smooth, quiet ride, and it is often chosen by people who want the very best in luxury.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost is another popular car. It is a bit smaller than the Phantom but still offers the same high level of quality. The Ghost is known for its powerful engine and its refined interior. People who choose the Ghost enjoy the combination of performance and luxury it offers, along with a design that is sleek and modern.

Lastly, the Rolls-Royce Wraith, a coupe with a sporty feel, has also been a popular choice. The Wraith is designed for those who want a more dynamic driving experience but still expect the highest quality and luxury. It has a striking design and is known for its powerful V12 engine, making it a standout in the Rolls-Royce lineup.

All of these cars are known for their excellent craftsmanship, powerful engines, and the finest materials, which is why they continue to be top sellers for Rolls-Royce.

Why are electric vehicles increasing in popularity?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular for several important reasons. One of the main reasons is that people are becoming more concerned about the environment. Traditional cars that run on gasoline or diesel produce harmful emissions that contribute to air pollution and climate change. EVs, on the other hand, run on electricity and do not produce these emissions, which makes them a cleaner option for the planet.

Another reason EVs are becoming more popular is that the technology behind them is improving. The batteries that power electric cars are lasting longer and charging faster. Many electric cars can now travel over 300 kilometers on a single charge, making them practical for everyday use. The availability of more charging stations also makes it easier for people to charge their cars, whether at home or while traveling.

Governments around the world are also encouraging people to buy electric vehicles by offering incentives, like tax breaks or discounts, which make EVs more affordable. These incentives, combined with the lower cost of maintaining an electric car compared to a traditional car, make EVs a more attractive option for many people.

In addition, many well-known car companies are investing in electric vehicles and releasing more models. This means people have more choices when it comes to selecting an electric car, which makes it easier for them to find a model that fits their needs.

Link: Images of Rolls-Royce cars

Link: Rolls-Royce Official Website

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