Rolls-Royce has hailed an “extraordinary” year as it announced record sales.

The Goodwood-based luxury car manufacturer sold more than 6,000 cars in 2023 – 11 more than the previous year.

It also announced that more than 180 jobs had been created in Sussex in the past year - more than 2,500 people are now employed by the company at Goodwood.

Chris Brownridge, Rolls-Royce’s new chief executive, said: “2023 was another extraordinary year for Rolls-Royce, with strong sales performances in all regions and across the full product portfolio.

“It’s especially encouraging to see the enormous interest in and demand for Spectre, supporting the decision to adopt a bold, all-electric strategy for future model development and production.

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“The record level of bespoke commissions, both by volume and value, also underlines our position within the luxury sector, offering our clients opportunities for self-expression and personalisation they cannot find anywhere else.

“As incoming CEO, I’m in the extremely fortunate position of taking over responsibility for a business in robust good health, with strong foundations and a clear strategy for growth and development, formidable technical capabilities and a focused, dedicated team.

“I’m looking forward to working with the entire Rolls-Royce team to maintain this momentum and take this great company forward with confidence and conviction.”

The new record marks the second year in a row that Rolls-Royce has recorded its highest sales after setting a new benchmark in 2022.

Sales in 2023 were further boosted by the release of the company’s newest model, the Spectre, which first shipped at the end of the year.

Global sales were led by North America and China, with year-on-year growth in Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan was the most requested model worldwide, followed by the Ghost.

Rolls-Royce, now owned by BMW, previously announced plans to invest in its manufacturing facilities as it plans to produce more electric vehicles such as the Spectre.