When you see a Rolls-Royce on the roads of Mumbai or Delhi, you instantly think of British royalty and ultimate luxury. But if you ask “Who owns Rolls-Royce today?”, the answer is a bit complicated.
Most people think it is still a British company. Others think Volkswagen owns it.
Here is the simple answer: The Rolls-Royce car brand is owned by BMW Group, the German auto giant.
However, there is a catch. The company that makes jet engines for planes (also called Rolls-Royce) is a completely different company.
This article explains who really owns the brand, the famous battle between BMW and Volkswagen, and why this matters for India.
The Two Different “Rolls-Royce” Companies
To understand the ownership, you must first know that Rolls-Royce is not just one company anymore. It was split into two separate businesses many years ago:
- Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd: This company makes luxury cars like the Phantom, Ghost, Cullinan, and the new electric Spectre.
- Owner: BMW Group (German).
- Rolls-Royce Holdings plc: This company makes jet engines for airplanes (like Boeing and Airbus) and defense equipment.
- Owner: It is a public company listed on the London Stock Exchange. It is owned by shareholders, not a single car company.
Note for Indian Readers: Recently, you might have read news about Rolls-Royce investing in “Make in India” or the “Viksit Bharat” mission. That news is about the aerospace (engine) company, not the car company.
The Historic Battle: How BMW Beat Volkswagen
The story of how BMW got control of Rolls-Royce is one of the most famous business battles in history.
In 1998, the original British owner (Vickers) decided to sell the Rolls-Royce car brand. Two German giants wanted it: BMW and Volkswagen (VW).
- Volkswagen’s Move: VW offered more money (£430 million) and bought the historic factory in Crewe, England. They thought they had won everything.
- BMW’s Masterstroke: BMW discovered a loophole. The “Rolls-Royce” brand name and the famous “RR” logo were actually owned by the aerospace company, not the car division. BMW quickly went to the aerospace company and bought the rights to use the name and logo for just £40 million.
The Result?
- Volkswagen ended up with the factory and the Bentley brand (which they still own today).
- BMW walked away with the Rolls-Royce name but had no factory.
So, in 2003, BMW built a brand new, state-of-the-art factory in Goodwood, England. Since then, every modern Rolls-Royce car has been made under BMW’s ownership.
Does Tata or Mahindra Own Any Part?
There are often rumors in India that Tata Group might buy Rolls-Royce, similar to how they bought Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).
Fact Check:
- No, Tata does not own Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. It remains 100% owned by BMW.
- However, Tata Group and other Indian companies (like Bharat Forge) are partners with the Rolls-Royce Aerospace company to manufacture engine parts in India.
Rolls-Royce in India: A Growing Market
India is becoming one of the most important markets for Rolls-Royce cars in the Asia-Pacific region.
Read More : How Many Rolls-Royce Cars Are in India?
- Who owns them in India? The cars are famous among India’s ultra-rich, including the Ambani family (who own several), the Adani family, and film stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Prabhas.
- Top Models: The Rolls-Royce Cullinan (their luxury SUV) is currently the most popular model in India because it is well-suited for Indian road conditions compared to the low sedans.
- Price: In India, a Rolls-Royce typically costs between Rs. 7 Crore to Rs. 10 Crore (ex-showroom), depending on the customization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Rolls-Royce still a British company?
Yes and no. The cars are still manufactured in Goodwood, England, and the brand image is British. However, the parent company (owner) is German (BMW).
2. Does Volkswagen own Rolls-Royce?
No. Volkswagen owns Bentley, which was once the sister brand of Rolls-Royce. They split in roughly 2003.
3. Who owns the Rolls-Royce jet engine company?
That is a separate public company called Rolls-Royce Holdings plc. It is not owned by BMW.
4. Why are Rolls-Royce cars so expensive in India?
Rolls-Royce cars are imported as “Completely Built Units” (CBU). This attracts a very high customs duty (tax) in India, which nearly doubles the price compared to other countries.
5. What is the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’?
It is the famous bonnet ornament (the flying lady statue) on every Rolls-Royce. When BMW took over, they ensured they acquired the exclusive rights to this icon.
