Bentley reports 22% 2012 growth

BENTLEY Motors has reported a 22% year-on-year hike in customer deliveries, with growth led by the US.

The manufacturer, which has around 4,000 employees at its Crewe base, said it had sold 8,510 cars in 2012, up from 7,003 in 2011, with deliveries ahead in every international region.

Chairman and chief executive Wolfgang Schreiber said: ““2012 has been an excellent year for Bentley.  This strong performance was possible due to our continuing investment in new models and the hard work and commitment of a highly motivated Bentley team.  

“We expect the luxury market in 2013 to continue to be challenging but, with significant new model introductions, we believe we have the potential to maintain growth throughout the year.”

By geography, the Americas finished 2012 as the VW-owned brand’s largest global market, with 2,457 cars delivered to customers in the region, a 22% increase on 2011.

China followed closely with 2,253 cars delivered. This was a record and a 23% increase on 2011.

In Europe, where the economic backdrop has been far more challenging, deliveries grew by 12% to 1,333.

Russia was a really strong new market though, with deliveries up 37%, In the UK there was 7% growth to 1,104 .

Another really strong performer was the Middle East with deliveries up 44% to 815. Asia Pacific also increased its deliveries by 44% to 358. Japan, as it recovered after the tsunami of 2011 saw exceptional growth of 73% to 190.

Bentley said the launch of its new 500hp V8 engine had wowed customers and accounted for almost a fifth of total sales. The W12 Continental GT and GT Convertible jointly accounted for over a third of all sales.

The flagship Mulsanne saw sustained growth of 10%.  Four out of every 10 Mulsannes built in Crewe were sold in China.