LONDON/BERLIN/MILAN, March 30 (Reuters) – A laser-engraved hood inspired by Arabian architecture and a matching wood-trim interior are among the luxuries Rolls-Royce featured in a one-off Phantom Arabesque model commissioned by a Dubai customer it showcased in February before the Iran war.
Now the Middle East market, which in volume terms accounts for less than 10% of sales at most luxury carmakers but punches far above its weight in profit, is under threat just as demand is weakening almost everywhere around the globe.
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A standard Rolls-Royce Phantom starts at about 430,000 pounds ($572,416), but the addition of bespoke features for wealthy Gulf buyers can push prices far above that – for some models bespoke additions can double or triple the price tag.