Bentley Off To A Good Start In 2012

2011 was an exceptionally good year for Bentley Motor financially. By the looks of things, 2012 is going to be even better. All major regions are up with a global increase of 47% year-on-year and 894 cars delivered to customers. China and the US are going head-to-head to become Bentley’s number one global market in 2012 with China in front at the very start of the year with 324 cars delivered (+66%) whilst US deliveries were up 29% (251 cars)  over the same period. UK started 2012 with a strong 16% increase and 58 cars delivered. The Middle East has also significantly increased its sales performance by 55% with 93 cars delivered to customers. So they will be attending the Geneva Motor Show pretty confident, even though they really have nothing new to show. Oh wait, there is a new Bentley SUV, maybe! Bentley press release: Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Wolfgang Dürheimer, said: “This is an excellent start to the new year for Bentley. We are maintaining the momentum from last year which clearly reflects the strong confidence customers have in our brand and in our new products worldwide.” The increase was driven by strong demand for both the new GT and the recently launched Continental GTC, both of which have increased sales with 265 and 214 cars delivered respectively. This is before the first Continental V8s reach customers in the second quarter. In addition, the Mulsanne is attracting significantly increased orders especially from the Middle East and China which could mean a record year for the flagship Bentley. Another interesting development has been the increasing demand for the two-door Continental GT in China. Long seen as a four-door market, Chinese customers are increasingly attracted to the style and exhilaration associated with sports cars and Bentley is well-placed to take advantage given the breadth of its model line-up. Mr Dürheimer continued: “Chinese customers are increasingly like any other. They turn to Bentley for the finest craftsmanship and luxury combined with high technology and performance. This combination makes us unique as Bentley is as much about driving as being driven. With our V8 models arriving in the markets later this year as well as the new Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification being presented at the Geneva Motorshow, I am confident that we will be able to deliver solid double digit growth throughout the year.” The new Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification will have its world premier at the Geneva Motorshow and can be seen on the Bentley stand in Hall 1. The Bentley press conference is scheduled for Tuesday, 6^th March 2012 at 09:00am (CET).