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Bentley see 25% sales rises in Q1

Sales at British car manufacturer, Bentley, rose by 25% at the beginning of 2013 with eight new dealerships opened in quarter one.

The Crewe-based car maker said it saw significant growth in Russian markets while the U.S. remained its largest market.

“Outstanding sales” in the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Europe also boosted the firm’s overall figures.

In the U.S., sales increased by 35.04% in the first quarter compared with the same period in 2012.

Bentley said this surge was down to an improved dealer network in North America and new car models made available in the country.

The Middle East region saw rises of over 41% year-on-year, while sales in Asia Pacific rose by more than 68%.

Japan experienced sales jumps of over 30%, although Chinese car sales were disappointing with falls of just under 18%.

Bentley said Chinese sale drops were due to customers waiting for the new ‘Flying Spur’ model, which is the top selling Bentley in China and will be available from mid-2013.

Kevin Rose, Bentley’s board member for sales, marketing and aftersales, said: “Bentley continues to sustain significant global sales growth.

“We are simultaneously rolling out our dealer expansion plan with eight new outlets opening their doors to customers so far this year and over thirty more to come.

“Although conditions in some markets are becoming more challenging, we are continuing to increase our market share thanks to our growing global presence and growth in key new markets such as Russia.

“I am confident that with the imminent arrival of the new Flying Spur we will maintain substantial growth for the rest of 2013.”

European sales delivered growth of over 61%, while Russian sales went up by over 34% after Bentley celebrated the first year of the company opening two dealerships in Krasnodar and Yekaterinburg to double its presence in the country.

Buyers in the UK also showed a strong interest in buying Bentley cars, as 371 cars were delivered to customers, to represent over a 59% sales rise in quarter one.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .