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Confirming Hong Kong's position as a leading market for luxury cars, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Hong Kong opened its first showroom in Central district today (July 30).

The Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Ms Ophelia Tsang, was the guest of honour at the opening ceremony.

The Regional Director of Asia Pacific of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Mr Colin Kelly, said: "Hong Kong has historically had the most Rolls-Royce cars per capita in the world. As the metropolis for luxury in Asia, we see it as one of our key markets. It serves another important function as the gateway to China, a market that is becoming increasingly sophisticated in the luxury savoir faire."

Guests at the opening event also had the opportunity to get a glimpse of the new Rolls-Royce Phantom, at its first official viewing.

The General Manager of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Hong Kong & China - Sime Darby Group, Mr John Wong, said: "Sime Darby is proud to be associated with such a prestigious marque. We believe that despite the current economic situation, Hong Kong remains the leading market for high-end consumer products. We are very confident about the performance of Rolls-Royce."

Ms Tsang congratulated Rolls-Royce Motor Cars on its new showroom and the launch of the new Phantom. She said: "Successful Hong Kong people have always enjoyed world-class luxury products and quality brands.

"We are very pleased that Rolls-Royce has made this additional investment by opening its first showroom. It also demonstrates that Hong Kong remains a profitable market for premium cars, despite the current economic downturn."

Ms Tsang stressed: "Our world-class business infrastructure and well-trained multi-lingual workforce, combined with one of the highest per capita levels of disposable income make us a key regional market for luxury products."

She said: "With more and more business travellers visiting Hong Kong, the city has also become an important showcase for establishing premium brands within this target market. This showroom in Central will help to spread Rolls-Royce's brand awareness beyond Hong Kong."

On the official launch of the new Rolls-Royce Phantom, Mr Wong said this model combines traditional and authentic Rolls-Royce design with cutting-edge 21st century technology.

The exquisite craftsmanship and superior engineering of the Phantom ensure Rolls-Royce's leading position in the market, as it continues to strive for perfection," he added.

Invest Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government department charged with encouraging and facilitating foreign investment into the city by providing all the support needed to establish a business presence here.

End/Wednesday, July 30, 2003

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