Export orders driving Bentley forward

CREWE-based Bentley Motors’ surging export orders have helped it make an “excellent start” to this year.

The luxury car brand, owned by Volkswagen, says China is challenging the US to be its number one market.

Deliveries are up 7% year-on-year to 894 cars. China is leading the way do far this year with 324 cars delivered (+66%) whilst US deliveries were up 29% (251 cars).

Strong progress is reported in all major regions. Europe  is up 39% year-on-year and a tough 2011, the UK started 2012 with a strong 16% increase and 58 cars delivered.

In the Middle East sales are up 55% aafter last year’s deliveries were hit by political unrest in parts of the region.

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.

Mr Dürheimer added: “I am confident that we will be able to deliver solid double digit growth throughout the year.”