Luxury car makers defy economic downturn

Ryan Hughes, joint owner of RMA Motors, says he sells about 5-10 Bentley and Rolls-Royce cars a year. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Ryan Hughes, joint owner of RMA Motors, says he sells about 5-10 Bentley and Rolls-Royce cars a year. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The Lamborghini Urus Performante. Lamborghini is planning a hybrid version of each of its models by 2024. Bloomberg
The Lamborghini Urus Performante. Lamborghini is planning a hybrid version of each of its models by 2024. Bloomberg
The six-wheeled Rolls-Royce Phantom features a 3,570mm wheelbase, and 5,834mm overall length. EPA
The six-wheeled Rolls-Royce Phantom features a 3,570mm wheelbase, and 5,834mm overall length. EPA
Colourful interior of the Rolls-Royce Ghost. Photo: Rolls-Royce
Colourful interior of the Rolls-Royce Ghost. Photo: Rolls-Royce
The custom Rolls-Royce Phantom 6x6, created by French artist Danton Alexandre. AFP
The custom Rolls-Royce Phantom 6x6, created by French artist Danton Alexandre. AFP
The Bentley Mulliner is a sleek bespoke coupe that costs nearly $2 million – only 18 will be produced. EPA
The Bentley Mulliner is a sleek bespoke coupe that costs nearly $2 million – only 18 will be produced. EPA
Lamborghini delivered 9,233 cars worldwide in 2022, an increase of 10 per cent over the previous year. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Lamborghini delivered 9,233 cars worldwide in 2022, an increase of 10 per cent over the previous year. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Dubai Police are well known for their fleet of luxury patrol cars, including a Bentley Continental GT Coupe. Sarah Dea / The National
Dubai Police are well known for their fleet of luxury patrol cars, including a Bentley Continental GT Coupe. Sarah Dea / The National
With a starting price of about $313,000 the Rolls-Royce Ghost competes with well-known competitors such as the Porsche Panamera. Photo: Wassim Raslan
With a starting price of about $313,000 the Rolls-Royce Ghost competes with well-known competitors such as the Porsche Panamera. Photo: Wassim Raslan