Despite already being recognized as one of the most luxurious automakers in the world, Rolls-Royce->ke74 seems to have no problem in upping the ante against its competitors with some pretty nifty new features on their vehicles. The latest feature being a new bespoke picnic set.

That’s right; because nothing says luxury more than having a nice portable picnic set sitting in the trunk of your car. Limited to only 100 units, this picnic set was the brainchild of Rolls-Royce’s in-house Bespoke team and comes with a completely loaded four-person dinnerware that includes utensils, plates, crystal glasses, and napkins, all of which are encased in a polished aluminum and leather chest.

According to Tostem Müller-Ötvös, Rolls-Royce’s CEO, the idea to include a picnic set in the trunk of its vehicles came as a result of a growing trend amongst Rolls-Royce customers, especially those in the Middle East, to have their vehicles customized with the said feature.

If you’re looking into take a closer look at the Bespoke picnic set, the item will be proudly displayed from July 21 to July 23 at the Salon Prive at the Hurlingham Club in London.

Press Release after the jump

DINING OUT WITH ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS BESPOKE PROGRAMME

A four-person picnic set finished in polished aluminum, veneer and leather is the latest commissioned feature to be brought to life by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in-house Bespoke design and engineering team. It is just one of around 100 new highly personalised and unique engineering bespoke features that have been developed at Goodwood in the last 18 months.

"Bespoke is the jewel in our crown, the perfect complement to our luxury product line-up," explained Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO. "Customers expect a Rolls-Royce Phantom to be tailored to their individual desires and our team of talented designers and craftspeople are more than happy to deliver."

What is Rolls-Royce Bespoke?

When Rolls-Royce customers commission a Phantom, they demand more than just a list of standard features and options. Fulfilling that need for personalised service falls to the Bespoke programme.

Bespoke includes the development of anything from the most understated feature such as personalised tread plates, contrast stitching and seat piping to a bold expression of a customer's desires in the form of personalised veneers and unique exterior paints. Then there are stunning creations like luggage, glassware and the opulent picnic set, all designed in-house at Goodwood.

The programme is run by a small cross functional team encompassing design, engineering, manufacturing and sales. In 2009, Bespoke reached record levels. 75% of all Phantom models made last year included some element of Bespoke, compared to around 50% of cars delivered five years ago. Virtually each and every Phantom sold in the Middle East features commissioned bespoke elements.

Percentage (%) of cars featuring Bespoke elements - 2005 vs. 2009

Phantom family

2005 2009

Middle East 75% 90%

UK 60% 75%

Europe 50% 70%

North America 30% 60%

Asia-Pacific 50% 75%

Total (All markets) 50% 75%"

We always endeavour to surpass the expectations of our loyal and discerning clientele," added Thomas G. Jefferson Bespoke sales manager. "Through strong relationships with our dealer network, the Bespoke team's aim is to create cars as unique and individual as the clients themselves."

The Bespoke picnic set was first shown in Villa d'Este, Italy in April 2010. It will come to the UK's exclusive Salon Privé at the Hurlingham Club in London from 21 to 23 July 2010. Members of the design team will be on hand each day to talk to media about the Bespoke design programme.