Rolls-Royce sold 796 cars in 2005, an increase of 0.5% over 2004 and a 15 year high for the company.

Customers from countries including Brazil, Nigeria, Chile, Bulgaria, Algeria, Poland, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan became Phantom owners for the first time in 2005, as well as from the more established markets.

Worldwide, the top five dealers were spread across four continents. Beverly Hills was number one for the second year in succession, followed by Tokyo, London, Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively.

Chairman and CEO Ian Robertson said: "We have enjoyed another strong year, with the Phantom now clearly established and the foundations laid for the launch of our new products over the coming months."

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will show the extended wheelbase version of the Phantom at this year’s Detroit Motor Show, with the intention of launching it in North America by the end of 2006. This is the second model to be built at the company’s world headquarters at Goodwood, England, and will be joined by a third – the new convertible – in 2007.