BENTLEY DELIVERS 22% GLOBAL GROWTH IN 2012

• Growth in all international regions
• Americas retains position as largest market

Bentley Motors today announces global growth of 22% in 2012 as deliveries to customers increased to 8,510 cars (7,003 cars in 2011).  This maintains Bentley’s position as the leading manufacturer of luxury vehicles in the world.  Deliveries were up in every international region as Bentley increased its global sales network by 10%.

Commenting on the results, Bentley’s 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.”

The Americas finished 2012 as Bentley’s largest global market, with 2,457 cars delivered to customers in the region, a 22% increase on 2011 (2,021 cars).  China followed closely with 2,253 cars delivered, Bentley’s largest ever volume in the region and a 23% increase on 2011 (1,839 cars). 

In Europe deliveries grew by 12% with 1,333 cars delivered to customers (1,187 in 2011).  The increasing popularity of the Bentley brand in growing markets like Russia, where deliveries were up 37%, contributed to the strong performance of the region.  In the UK 1,104 cars were delivered to customers, a 7% increase on the previous year (1,031 cars). 

The Middle East region performed very well with deliveries up 44% to 815 cars (566 in 2011). Asia Pacific also increased its deliveries by 44% to 358 cars (249 in 2011).  Finally Japan saw exceptional growth of 73% with 190 deliveries (110 in 2011)

The new 500hp V8 engine has been extremely successful with customers, accounting for almost a fifth of total sales and attracting a large number of new customers to the brand. The W12 Continental GT and GT Convertible also maintained strong support, jointly accounting for over a third of all sales.

The flagship Mulsanne saw sustained growth of 10%.  Four out of every ten Mulsannes built in Crewe were sold in China, where the popularity of the pinnacle limousine was boosted by the Diamond Jubilee special edition. The Flying Spur also continued to sell well, particularly in China, Bentley’s largest four door market.