Crewe factory drives Bentley to new record

The company – which is owned by Germany’s VW – said strong growth in both emerging and traditional markets had taken Bentley above 10,000 units for the first time – a set a new sales record in the UK market. With retail sales of 10,014 units worldwide, Bentley completed the best year in its history. Overall volume grew by seven per cent, with increases in almost all major markets: up seven per cent in the UK, four per cent in North America, seven per cent in Europe, 18 per cent in the Asia Pacific region, and 93 per cent in China. In the UK, a record 2079 units were sold in all. In North America, a figure of 4196 units was achieved, despite the prevailing economic climate, and a new record was set in continental Europe with 2166 units. In China, the final sales number was 338 units. In Korea, 100 cars were sold in Bentley’s first year in that market. The results were buoyed by growth across both the Arnage and Continental ranges. The introduction of the Azure convertible (pictured here in San Francisco) pushed sales up by 44 per cent in the Arnage line, and with the GTC convertible enjoying its first full year in the market, two-door Continental sales increased by 57 per cent. Bentley board member Stuart McCullough said the results were a milestone for Bentley, which had strengthened its presence around the world, in both emerging and established markets. “A major component of this is our export business, with overseas income in excess of £745 million,” he said. “Bentley is proud to be a leading British vehicle manufacturer, with all of its production based in Crewe, a workforce of 3800 and a 500 strong engineering team, making it a significant employer in the North West. With its combination of modern technology, craftsmanship and bespoke capabilities, Bentley occupies a leading position in the luxury vehicle market, and expects to maintain that position into the future.”