Frequently asked questions

How long has Rolls-Royce been in business?

The company was formed by Henry (later Sir Henry) Royce and the Honorable Charles Rolls, who met and agreed to produce quality motor cars back in 1904. They formed the company in 1906, and moved their main base from Manchester to Derby in 1908. During the first world war it began making aero engines and after the second world war was a leader in jet-engine development and manufacture. In the second half of the 20th Century its gas turbine products were also adapted for industrial use for the growing power generation and oil & gas production industries and for marine applications.

Where is Rolls-Royce based ... and how many people does it employ?

Rolls-Royce is a global company with major facilities in Europe, North America and Asia. It currently employs around 39,000, with offices, manufacturing and services facilities in 50 countries.

What is the Rolls-Royce position on the environment?

For more information about Rolls-Royce and the environment please see our latest Environment report - 'Powering a better world'.

Where do you make Rolls-Royce motor cars today?

Rolls-Royce plc no longer makes motor cars and has not done so for more than 35 years. This part of the original company remained in private ownership after the remainder of the company (centred on aero-engine manufacture) went into receivership in 1971 and came under public ownership.

Rolls-Royce plc itself returned to the private sector in 1986 and for most of the time since then has been a FTSE100 company. Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce motor cars have been produced by a number of corporate owners: Rolls-Royce Motors is currently a BMW group company and is based at Chichester in W Sussex. BMW has a licence arrangement with Rolls-Royce to use the famous marque.