Rolls-Royce bolsters custom-car operation to meet higher demand

Rolls-Royce is expanding its "Bespoke" customization enterprise to keep up with an influx of buyers wishing to determine the final strokes on their vehicular masterpieces. The British luxury-car manufacturer will double the headcount for its Bespoke team by the end of the year. More than 50 designers, engineers and project managers will run the operation to meet growing customer demand.

Rolls-Royce Bespoke creates Year of the Dragon Collection

Rolls-Royce has announced a commemorative offering in preparation for the forthcoming Year of the Dragon celebration, which starts on January 23, 2012. Designed by Rolls-Royce's Bespoke team, the Year of the Dragon Collection has been inspired by the legendary creature that is revered in China, and created to celebrate the ultimate symbol of power, prosperity and good fortune. The collection features unique detailing on both the exterior and interior of the Phantom or Phantom Extended Wheelbase models and includes a gold hand-painted dragon coachline inspired by Beijing's Forbidden City; dragon headrest embroidery available in Tan, Golden Sand, Black and White; a dragon inlay, which will be hand-laid to the passenger panel and include the Phantom name outlined in gold; two hand-stitched cushions for the rear passengers, specified with embroidered double R-R logos and piping; and illuminated treadplates with ‘Year of the Dragon 2012' highlighted in LED lighting.

Ford Transit XXL (2007): first official pictures

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 04 January 2007 10:59 Ford Transit XXL: the lowdown White van man has a new toy, and it's a big one: Ford's Transit XXL. Stretching the tape measure to 7.4m long, it's as long as two regular Transit Tourneo models and has limo-style legroom for seven builders. There are a few more creature comforts than in most Transits, too: captain's armchairs with individual DVD screens and games consoles, and leather trim throughout.