Update 10/28/2019

Rolls Royce Technology

In a world that over-hypes fancy features and ‘luxuries’ we may be able to learn from Rolls Royce that is doing the exact opposite in areas. Here are some examples:

* Customization is a key ingredient to their marketing: 44,000 color options are offered, but they will match any color desired.  

* Ultra-simple, straightforward controls where you slide your temperature dials between blue and red and toggle fan speed between “soft,” “medium,” “high” and “max.” Tech is SIMPLE and easy-to-use.

* The “Roll-Royce Bespoke Audio” system doesn’t need to brag about speaker counts to impress you. The expectation is perfection.

* The cars are free of technology for technology’s sake, focused only on luxury at all costs.

* Other cars have more power, more ‘features’, etc, but Rolls-Royce has built a priceless brand and extensive waiting list off of what others can’t sell you: something unique. You’re buying into the world of effortless luxury, serious exclusivity and unmistakable brand identity.

Now….let’s not forget this car costs multiple times more than other equally impressive luxury cars. But the genius of their brand is that those who buy this car believe and FEEL what they are selling is the very best….and are willing to pay a huge premium for it. (CNBC)

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BREXIT has now been delayed – again – until January 31st, 2020. (CNBC)

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Tesla Solar Roofs

Tesla Solar Roofs are coming! Elon Musk unveiled the electric-car company’s new solar-paneled roof tiles and said he expects to be fitting more than 1,000 roofs per week soon priced around $35,000 on average. Expensive yes, but exceptionally better looking than the traditional solar panels that are often rather hideous! Tesla is working on aesthetics: Colors coming soon will include earth tones, clay tile and French slate as well as the current black. Tesla also makes traditional solar panels.  Tesla’s solar roofs are an entirely new roof for the home, an integrated power-generating structure. They are more expensive than panels, though they can be cheaper than the combined cost of panels and a new roof.

Mortgage Applications

Applications for mortgages to purchase homes are up nearly 9% this month from a year earlier, after declining 2% last November from a year earlier, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. The average 30-year mortgage rate has fallen this month to 4% from a recent high of 5.2% last November. (WS)