Company Story
1904 - Charles Rolls and Henry Royce meet for the first time in Manchester, England, and agree to form a partnership to manufacture cars.
1906 - Rolls-Royce Limited is formed, with a capital of £15,000, and the first Rolls-Royce car, the 10 hp, is launched.
1907 - The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost is launched, which becomes one of the most iconic cars of all time.
1915 - Rolls-Royce begins to manufacture aero engines, which becomes a significant part of the company's business.
1921 - Rolls-Royce opens a new factory in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA, to manufacture cars for the American market.
1931 - Rolls-Royce acquires Bentley Motors, which becomes a subsidiary of the company.
1940 - Rolls-Royce begins to focus on manufacturing aircraft engines, which plays a significant role in the Allied war effort during World War II.
1946 - Rolls-Royce begins to develop and manufacture jet engines, which becomes a major part of the company's business.
1959 - Rolls-Royce Limited is nationalized by the British government, becoming a state-owned company.
1987 - Rolls-Royce plc is privatized, and the company is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
1998 - Rolls-Royce plc acquires Vickers plc, which includes the Rolls-Royce Motors car business.
2003 - BMW Group acquires Rolls-Royce Motors, and Rolls-Royce plc focuses on its aerospace business.