Bentley going for recird-breaking 2014

Bentley has said it is on track for record-breaking sales in 2014, after soaring demand in China and the Middle East for its gas-guzzling limos.

Bentley Motors, based in Crewe but owned by German manufacturer Volkswagen, said it had delivered 5,254 cars in the first six months of the year, a 23% increase on last year.

Demand was strong across all regions, especially in China and the Middle East, where sales increased by 61% and 27% respectively. The Bentley Flying Spur, which costs around £150,000, with tailpipe emissions almost double the average, is an increasingly common sight on the roads of Beijing.

Bentley sold 1,318 cars to motorists in China in the first half of 2014, compared to 817 cars in the same period last year. Performance in Europe was also strong, with sales up by 11% overall and 2% in the UK.

The results mirror the success of Rolls-Royce, which announced record half-year sales driven by surging demand in China, Europe and the United States.

Kevin Rose, Bentley's member of the board for sales, marketing and aftersales, said: "There is no question that some markets will remain tough but we are confident of a good 2014."


/The Guardian/