Rolls-Royce scraps electric car target as ‘drivers prefer V12 engines’

Core Viewpoint - Rolls-Royce has reversed its decision to go fully electric by 2030, citing customer preference for petrol engines, particularly the V12 [1][2][4]. Group 1: Company Strategy - The company initially planned to transition to an all-electric lineup by 2030, announced alongside the unveiling of the Spectre EV in 2021 [2][4]. - Rolls-Royce will continue producing internal combustion engine vehicles into the next decade, responding to customer demand for petrol cars [1][5]. - The company operates on a made-to-order basis, allowing it to adapt production to customer preferences rather than adhering to strict production targets [7]. Group 2: Market Context - Customers of Rolls-Royce typically spend over £300,000 on luxury vehicles and have expressed a desire for petrol options [2]. - The shift in strategy aligns with a broader trend among luxury car manufacturers, including Bentley, Aston Martin, and Ferrari, who have also softened their electric vehicle targets [5][6]. - The UK government's delay in implementing a ban on petrol cars from 2030 to 2035 has provided additional flexibility for Rolls-Royce [8]. Group 3: Sales and Production - Rolls-Royce sold 5,664 cars globally last year and is currently expanding its Goodwood manufacturing facilities with a £300 million investment to meet growing demand [9].