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Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motor Cars Sales Increase in Q1 of 1999

21 April 1999

Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motor Cars Sales Increase in First Quarter of 1999

    CREWE, England, April 20 -- Worldwide sales of Rolls-Royce
and Bentley motor cars have increased by just over 37 per cent in the first
quarter of 1999.  Significant growth has been seen in all markets with the
exception of the UK, with particularly strong results in North America,
Continental Europe and Japan.  Total sales for the period were 344 units
compared with 251 for the same period last year.
    The US market has seen demand for motor cars increase since the arrival of
the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph and Bentley Arnage in their market during the
latter part of 1998, with sales rising nearly three fold, from 51 units in
1998 to 145 in 1999.  Continental European sales have also risen considerably,
with Germany showing an increase of 100 per cent, and the remainder of Europe
by some 240 per cent.
    Sales in Japan have steadily increased, although the Far East generally is
still experiencing economic uncertainty.  The United Kingdom market continues
to suffer from the after-effects of the sales process and the uncertain
economic climate which is reflected in sales 32.5 per cent down on the same
period last year, with 102 units sold against the 1998 figure of 151.
    Tony Gott, acting chief executive said, "We have come through the
uncertainty of 1998 and see the coming year as a year of increasing stability.
In the short term we anticipate reduced demand, particularly in the UK and are
naturally tailoring our production capacity accordingly.  However, we expect
to see demand increase throughout the year and we have the foundations in
place for our medium to long term future success.  We are beginning to put
into place the 500 million pound research and development programme which
gives us tremendous optimism and enthusiasm for the future of our company."
    Please note that percentage increases are unusually exaggerated with the
launch of the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph and Bentley Arnage during the first
quarter of 1998.

    Retail Sales                  January-March    January-March   Variation
                                       1998            1999           +/-

    Americas                             51             145        184.3%
    United Kingdom                      151             102        -32.5%
    Japan                                 6              18          200%
    Germany                               9              18          100%
    Remaining Europe                     10              34          240%
    Other Markets                        24              27         12.5%
    WORLDWIDE                           251             344         37.1%