Rolls Royce Speeds Along in Style

Forty years after its bankruptcy (due to overspending on aircraft engine development), the UK-based car and engine maker Rolls Royce is speeding along. Owned by BMW, Rolls is accelerating sales even faster than the recession is receding. Last year's sales were more than twice those of 2009, a trend that Rolls wants to build on for this year.

One reason is red-hot sales in China, where (no surprise) the brand is a major status symbol. In fact, China is now Rolls's second-largest market, after the U.S.

Another reason for Rolls's recent success is the Ghost, pictured here, an entry-level Rolls priced lower than the Phantom but with the quality, luxury, and elegance that brand fans expect.

Looking ahead, Rolls is going green with an electric Phantom--something its customers have not requested, but the company feels is necessary. In the short-term, Prince William and his bride, Kate Middleton, will be driven to their Westminster Abbey wedding in style in a Rolls. The biggest marketing budget in the world can't buy that kind of exposure!