Bentley celebrates rocketing global sales

Luxury car maker Bentley has announced major sales growth in 2011 topped in December by its best month since before the recession.

Global sales climbed 37 per cent in the year, to 7003 cars sold, and according to the Crewe, UK-based manufacturer accelerated as the year went on.

The December sales figure of 1059 cars was 69 per cent better than the same month in 2010, Bentley’s second best month in its history and the best since its pre-recession record of 2007.

Most sales were again seen in the United States, climbing 32 per cent in 2011 to 2021 cars. But for the first time China earned second spot with almost doubled sales – Bentley has only been selling cars in mainland China for less than ten years.

Sales on the continent of Europe climbed 53 per cent to 1187 cars, Germany leading the way with an 88 per cent increase, while the UK, described by Bentley as “extremely challenging over the past months” posted a modest five per cent increase to 1031 cars.

Bentley adds that all of its major markets have seen increases, even the Middle East despite the political instability in the region.

Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Wolfgang Dürheimer, describes the performance as a tremendously good year for the brand.

“The dramatic sales growth reflects a global strength to the Brand and a recognition of the quality, craftsmanship and engineering excellence of our cars. It is also testament to the work of the entire Bentley Team whose passion and daily commitment has delivered this outstanding result,” Dürheimer says.

He adds that the company it has been particularly pleasing to see renewed interest in Bentley in established as well as and new and emerging markets.

“We want that success to continue and, with a new Continental V8 set to attract new customers in 2012, have ambitious but realistic plans which reflect global economic conditions as much as our new product line up,” Dürheimer says.

The latest Continental GT was Bentley’s most popular car, the 2404 GTs delivered more than a third of the brand’s total sales volume.

Words by: Andrew Charman