Steve’s breakdown: China over took the USA as the #1 Rolls-Royce market so now they have a new CEO.

BTW: China has been a tough nut-to-crack lead wise so news like this is what we’re going to report until things open up.

BEIJING, China: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced that Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer has been appointed Director for Mainland China with effect from 1 July 2012.

Wilhelmsmeyer currently serves as Head of the China South Region for BMW.

“China has become one of our most important markets globally and Henrik, with his broad experience and strong track record, is ideally suited to further develop our strong position in this region”, said Jolyon Nash, Director, Sales and Marketing.

In 2011, China became the leading sales region for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars worldwide for the first time, narrowly beating the United States to the top spot.

BMW, the owner of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said its group vehicle sales in China grew by 31.5 percent in May, accelerating from 30.8 percent in April.

The company plans to at least triple production in China to 300,000 vehicles, which still leaves it in the wake of rival Audi, which aims to expand production to 700,000 vehicles annually by around 2015. BMW Group comprises the BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce brands.

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