Judging by the McLaren Automotive record sales year of 2018, one would be hard-pressed to consider that the world is a slow economic state.

A new record

In 2018 McLaren recorded global sales of 4 806 cars, just let that sink in for a moment. That figure is an improvement of 43,9 per cent compared to 2017. This is McLaren’s 8th successive year of growth.

North America still remains the brand’s largest market. Over 5 000 McLarens have found homes in the US since the company started trading there in 2011. China recorded a 122,5 per cent increase over 2017. McLaren’s home market remained strong, achieving 49,2 per cent year-on-year growth.

Hand-built creations

In the middle of 2018, the 15 000th unit rolled out of the McLaren Production Centre (MPC) in Woking. Even though all models are hand-assembled over 20 cars a day are produced for export to over 32 markets, including South Africa. Daytona Group is the local agent for McLaren cars in SA.

As well as the 600LT and McLaren Senna, the company also launched the first two of 18 new products or derivatives under its £1,2bn Track25 business plan, the Speedtail hypercar and, most recently, 720S Spider.

Bespoke creations

McLaren’s in-house bespoke division, McLaren Special Operations (MSO), creates special vehicle commissions such as this McLaren P1 GTR in famous F1 livery. The MSO order book has tripled in one year.

In his own words

“Record sales highlight what a momentous year 2018 was for McLaren Automotive when over 4 800 cars left our Production Centre. That compares to 1 650 in 2015 showing the remarkable expansion in just three years as we work to consolidate growth to 6 000 cars a year by the end of our Track25 business plan. In 2018, we achieved our broadest product offering, launching differentiated, world-beating products such as 600LT and the first two cars under our Track25 business plan in the sublime forms of the Speedtail and 720S Spider both of which have been enthusiastically welcomed by the market,” Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive.