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Who Owns Rolls-Royce? Separating the Cars From the Jet Engines
Ahmed Salemโขโข12 min read
When you watch a Rolls-Royce Ghost glide silently down Sheikh Zayed Road or park outside the Burj Khalifa, you are witnessing the absolute pinnacle of automotive engineering. The iconic double-R monogram carries a weight of prestige that few other names on Earth can match, yet it also carries a persistent, century-old misunderstanding. Many of our guests, as they sit in the hand-stitched leather cabins of our fleet, naturally assume that the company behind their V12 saloon is the very same one that manufactured the massive jet engines powering the airliner that brought them to Dubai. It is a logical assumption, but it is entirely incorrect.
๐ก Quick Answer: Today, the Rolls-Royce motorcar company and the jet engine manufacturer are completely separate entities. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BMW Group, producing luxury vehicles from Goodwood, England. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is an independent British aerospace company producing jet engines in Derby. The two companies split in 1973 and share only the historic name and logo under license. For pricing on our luxury car rental fleet in Dubai, visit our daily rental rates.
๐๏ธ From Our Dubai Concierge Operations
In our daily operations delivering flagship saloons to locations such as the Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai Marina, we frequently encounter guests who are fascinated by the heritage of the marque. We make it a point of pride to ensure our chauffeurs are well-versed in the history of the cars they drive. Whether you are booking a chauffeured transfer or taking the wheel yourself, understanding that your vehicle represents the ultimate union of British luxury and German engineering precision adds a layer of refinement to the drive.
A Tale of Two Spirits: The Great Schism of 1973
The story of how Rolls-Royce became two separate companies is one of industrial drama, geopolitical compromise, and the sheer cost of chasing engineering perfection. Founded in 1906 by Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, the original company built its reputation on two fronts: the 'best car in the world' and some of the most reliable aircraft engines of the early aviation age. During the Second World War, their Merlin V12 engine powered the Spitfire fighter planes, cementing Rolls-Royce as a British national treasure. However, by the late 1960s, the financial burden of developing the revolutionary RB211 turbofan jet engine for commercial aircraft pushed the entire corporation into insolvency. The British government, recognizing that the aerospace division was too critical to national security to fail, nationalized the company in 1971.
Yet, nationalizing a luxury car business did not sit well with the government's long-term economic strategies. In 1973, the state made the pragmatic decision to split the company. The automotive division was spun off as a private entity named Rolls-Royce Motors, while the massive aerospace and marine engine business remained under state control as Rolls-Royce plc. This was the moment the car company and the jet engine manufacturer parted ways forever. Though they continued to share the iconic name, the logo, and the historic connection, they operated under entirely different corporate structures, boards of directors, and financial realities. The cars went their own way, while the jet engines remained the backbone of British industrial power.
BMW's Domain: The Guardians of the Goodwood Saloons
The modern chapter of the luxury motorcars began in 1998, following a dramatic bidding war for the assets of Rolls-Royce Motors. Ultimately, the BMW Group acquired the rights to the Rolls-Royce brand name and logo for the automotive division, while Volkswagen acquired the Crewe factory and the sister brand, Bentley. BMW established Rolls-Royce Motor Cars as a wholly-owned subsidiary and built a brand-new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Goodwood, England. Today, when you hire a Rolls-Royce Ghost or a Phantom from us, you are driving a product of this modern eraโa vehicle engineered by BMW in Munich, Germany, and hand-finished by master craftspeople in West Sussex, England.
- The iconic 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, which is designed and assembled by BMW in Germany before being shipped to Goodwood.
- The Magic Carpet Ride air suspension system, utilizing advanced German dampers and predictive cameras to glide over Dubai's road surfaces.
- Exclusive hand-built interiors featuring up to 1,340 hand-woven fibre-optic stars in the ceiling, creating a bespoke desert night sky illusion.
- The legendary Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, engineered to retract into the grille automatically for safety and security.
Powering the Skies: The Aerospace Empire of Rolls-Royce plc
On the other side of the historical split sits Rolls-Royce Holdings plc, a completely separate British public company listed on the London Stock Exchange. Based in Derby, England, this corporation is one of the world's 'Big Three' aircraft engine manufacturers, competing directly with General Electric and Pratt & Whitney. They do not build cars. They do not design luxury leather cabins. Instead, they build massive gas turbine engines that power some of the largest passenger and cargo aircraft in the world, including the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. If you flew to Dubai on an Emirates flight, there is a very high probability that you were propelled through the air by Trent turbofan engines built by this independent company.
The scale of Rolls-Royce plc is monumental, operating in the defense, civil aerospace, and marine power sectors. While the car company produces roughly 6,000 highly bespoke vehicles a year, the aerospace company manages thousands of active jet engines worldwide, providing power to airlines and governments. There is no shared technology between a Trent 1000 jet engine and the V12 engine of a Rolls-Royce motorcar. The engineering requirements are vastly different; one is built to generate 70,000 pounds of thrust at 35,000 feet, while the other is tuned to deliver silent, effortless torque on the asphalt of Sheikh Zayed Road. To learn more about how the car engines are built and how they compare, you can read our detailed guide on who makes Rolls-Royce engines.
The Battle of the Brands: How BMW and Volkswagen Split the Legacy
The corporate split of Rolls-Royce and Bentley in 1998 is one of the most intriguing stories in automotive history. For decades, Bentley and Rolls-Royce had been built together in Crewe under the same ownership. When the parent company, Vickers, decided to sell the business, Volkswagen outbid BMW for the Crewe assembly plant and the rights to the Bentley brand. However, BMW held a crucial advantage: they had a strong relationship with the aerospace company, Rolls-Royce plc, which owned the rights to the Rolls-Royce name and logo. While Volkswagen had bought the factory and the physical assets, BMW purchased the rights to the brand name for a fraction of the price. The resulting compromise saw Volkswagen keeping Bentley, while BMW took over the future of Rolls-Royce.
This division turned out to be a blessing for both marques. Under VW, Bentley evolved into a modern luxury brand, while BMW restored Rolls-Royce to its historic position as the pinnacle of motoring. It also created a permanent distinction between the cars and the engines. Volkswagen continued to operate the historic Crewe facility, while BMW built the home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood. This complete restructuring ensured that the modern vehicles you drive in Dubai today are entirely distinct from their mid-century predecessors, benefiting from a clean-sheet design and massive technological investment. For a deeper look into the history of the German acquisition, read our article on the German ownership of Rolls-Royce.
Goodwood Craftsmanship vs. Heavy Engineering: A Comparison of Philosophies
The separation of the two brands has allowed each to focus on its core philosophy without compromise. At Goodwood, the focus of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is on the human touchโwhat they call 'Bespoke luxury.' Every car is built to order, with craftspeople spending hundreds of hours matching wood veneers, stitching leather hides, and hand-polishing paint finishes. The engineering is designed to serve the passenger, creating a quiet sanctuary that isolates you from the outside world. This is a far cry from the philosophy of Rolls-Royce plc, where the engineering is focused on extreme durability, high-temperature thermal dynamics, and complex aerodynamic thrust calculations.
Renting a Piece of the Automotive Marque in Dubai
For those visiting Dubai, the distinction between these two legendary companies becomes a conversation piece. Cruising down Sheikh Zayed Road or arriving at the DIFC in a V12 Rolls-Royce is a statement of refinement that resonates deeply in a city that appreciates engineering excellence. When you rent a Ghost or a Phantom from Naqra FZE, you are experiencing the absolute peak of the automotive side of this historic name. Our vehicles are meticulously maintained to the standards expected of the Goodwood factory, ensuring that your time behind the wheel is flawless.
We offer delivery to all major five-star hotels, luxury developments, and airports in Dubai. Whether you are arranging a vehicle for a wedding at the Jumeirah Al Naseem, a corporate event in Downtown Dubai, or a weekend drive along the Palm Jumeirah, our team is dedicated to providing a seamless experience. Our daily rates are transparent, with no hidden fees, and standard insurance is included. To see our full fleet and daily rates, visit our pricing page.
Conclusion: Two Distinct Legends Sharing One Mighty Name
While Charles Rolls and Henry Royce would likely be surprised to see their creation split into a German-owned luxury car brand and a multinational aerospace conglomerate, they would undoubtedly recognize the commitment to quality that defines both companies today. The name Rolls-Royce remains a global synonym for the best, whether that refers to a V12 motorcar gliding through Dubai or a turbofan engine powering a flight across the Atlantic. The split of 1973 did not dilute the brand; it allowed both divisions to achieve greatness in their respective fields.
As you plan your next visit to Dubai, let us handle the logistics of your luxury transport. Whether you prefer the driver-focused dynamics of the Ghost or the commanding presence of the Cullinan, we are here to ensure your journey is as smooth as a flight. Contact us today via our booking page or message our concierge directly to reserve your vehicle and experience the Goodwood legend for yourself.
Ready to arrive in unmatched style? Reserve your Rolls-Royce today.
Book Your Rolls-RoyceFrequently Asked Questions
Who owns Rolls-Royce cars today?
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BMW Group. BMW acquired the rights to the name and logo for automotive use in 1998 and established a new subsidiary, launching the modern era of the brand from their state-of-the-art facility in Goodwood, England, in 2003.
Is Rolls-Royce jet engine company the same as Rolls-Royce cars?
No, they are completely separate companies. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is an independent British public company that manufactures jet engines for commercial and military aircraft, marine propulsion systems, and energy equipment. The car company and the engine manufacturer split in 1973.
Does BMW make jet engines for airplanes?
BMW does not manufacture commercial jet engines today. While BMW has a history in aviation engines dating back to its founding, its current focus is entirely on passenger cars, motorcycles, and luxury automobiles, including the engines for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
Where are Rolls-Royce cars made?
Modern Rolls-Royce cars are assembled at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex, England. However, the aluminum spaceframe chassis and the V12 engines are manufactured in Germany by BMW before being shipped to Goodwood for final hand-assembly and bespoke finish.
Can I rent a Rolls-Royce car in Dubai?
Yes, you can rent a wide variety of V12 Rolls-Royce models from Naqra FZE in Dubai. We offer the Ghost from AED 3,800 per day, the Cullinan from AED 6,500 per day, and the Phantom from AED 5,800 per day, including standard insurance and delivery. Visit our Rolls-Royce Phantom fleet page to learn more.
About the Author
Ahmed Salem is a luxury automotive expert with extensive experience in Dubai's premium car rental market. Passionate about delivering exceptional experiences through the world's finest automobiles.
