Rolls Royce Plans to Launch Special India-Edition Cars

Luxury car-manufacturer Rolls Royce plans to roll out customised India editions of is Phantom and Ghost models which could carry characteristic Indian insignia.

Herfried Hasenoehrl, general manager (emerging markets Asia), Rolls-Royce said that the company is trying to come up with a unique India pattern for the vehicles, which could include images and symbols related to the country. He added that the details have not been finalised.

"In past years, when India was one of the brand's largest markets, many bespoke cars were imported into the country", Paul Harris, regional director for the Asia Pacific at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, was quoted by the Financial Times.

"The principle still continues to this day, where we are currently in consultations with existing customers and prospects on the proposed look and feel of the car and appropriate symbols which are emblematic to India."

This is not the first time that Rolls Royce has come up with special editions for the Asian market. Last year, the company had rolled out "Year of the Dragon Collection" in China, which featured the mythical creature on both sides of the wheel. It was a success in the country.

Analysts remain speculative on what designs the company will choose to woo the Indian buyers. According to the Indian publication Mint, the company is considering different symbols and images to related to India such as the peacock, the lotus, the Ashoka Chakra, landmarks such as the Gateway of India in Mumbai, India Gate in New Delhi or the Charminar in Hyderabad to beautify the body of the car.

China, Japan, India, Hong Kong and Singapore are the biggest Asian markets for Rolls Royce. The company entered the India in 2005 and has so far managed to sell over 250 cars. It is planning to increase its dealerships in the country this year.

As the Indian economy expands and the numbers of affluent Indians increase, Rolls Royce may find its customer base boosted in the country. According a report from Credit Suisse, the number of millionaires in the country is expected to increase 53 percent by 2018.