THE launch of the new model Ghost and the social distancing requirements of COVID-19 have increased demand for a Rolls-Royce application that connects all members of the company with prospective and existing owners.

The Whispers app, designed as a digital conduit between Rolls-Royce and the car owner, recently was enhanced so it now includes the owner’s partner in the conversation and adds a live video function to connect them with Rolls-Royce executives, designers and craftspeople.

Clients may view their car live on the production line at the Rolls-Royce “manufactory” and witness the “marriage” as the powertrain meets the chassis, or the fitting of the Spirit of Ecstasy.

Those who belong to the Whispers community can also search for fellow members by name, location and even by car collection.

The app has evolved to consider the current COVID-19 restrictions faced by Rolls-Royce clients around the world.

“Because of movement restrictions caused by the virus, owners are unable to travel to the home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex,” the company said in a statement.

“Many clients expressed a wish to maintain even closer contact with the marque, and in answer to these demands, Verena Masters, Head of Whispers, embraced the unique opportunity presented by the application.

“Written dialogue is already available via the popular community messaging function. This function has now been developed to facilitate face-to-face video interactions, for more natural communication between clients and the marque.

“Now, patrons can experience Rolls-Royce’s Global Centre of Luxury Manufacturing Excellence from wherever they are in the world, in the comfort of their own home.”

Head of Whispers, Ms Masters, is a former aftersales project manager with BMW in Austria who joined Rolls-Royce in 2017 as head of digital platform development and innovation.

In an interview, she said that within Rolls-Royce there is a department called the “Private Office” that maintains one-to-one relationships with the car-maker’s clients.

“So we knew that due to clients’ highly mobile, international lifestyles, they have been seeking a means to have more regular personal involvement with the marque – that’s more experiences, more access and more immersion in the luxury world that is available to Rolls-Royce as the world’s leading luxury brand,” she said.

“They wanted something different from Rolls-Royce – something above and beyond, and that was the starting point of our journey with Whispers.”

Ms Masters said that the Private Office affords “a very special relationship with our clients”.

“We communicate with them, listen to them and develop ideas based on their wants and needs,” she said.

“One of the most important features of Whispers is that it offers clients the opportunity to liaise securely with fellow Rolls-Royce clients, the chief executive and members of the board of Rolls-Royce, to share ideas and networks, business opportunities and social contacts.

“This is a really invaluable feature of the application.”

She said that the latest upgrade to the Whispers app “has a comprehensive suite of online live video options for members to specify their motor cars, speak with Rolls-Royce product specialists, executives and craftspeople, or even witness a unique moment in the manufacture of their motor car, from the comfort of their own homes.”

Whisper member benefits include one-on-one live consultations with Rolls-Royce specialists and designers to allow remote commissioning of a new car where “materials and colours are defined, bespoke accoutrements are envisioned, and unique motor cars are brought to life in consummate Rolls-Royce style – with effortless ease.”

Members also have access to the company’s Luxury Intelligence Unit that recently offered editorial inspiration on topics ranging from the forefront of moving-image art, guidance on how to cultivate a woodland, and even, the philanthropic endeavours of other Whispers members.

“Rare and whimsical products continue to delight,” the company said in a statement.

“The Whispers Concierge is in demand as signed first edition Harry Potter books, unique Hermès handbags and Yeezy Boost 380’s are sourced for members from around the world, as attention turns to the holiday season.

“In an additional enhancement of the Whispers Application, members can now virtually exhibit their automotive collections for the network of fellow Rolls-Royce clients to peruse and admire.

“With the ability to search by name, location and even by car, members are able to connect with local, like-minded members, be it for business or leisure purposes.”

Access to Whispers starts at $A628,000, the price of the cheapest Rolls-Royce, the new Ghost, on the Australian market.

By Neil Dowling