Thread: Strong sales in China help Bentley return to near 2008 levels

Bentley sales are up 20 percent for a total of 2,978 vehicles in the first half of 2011 due in large part to strong sales in China. Bentley sold 680 cars in China, an increase of 57 percent or 433 units. It also means China surpassed the U.K. as the brand’s second largest market for the second quarter in a row. In the U.K., Bentley sold 533 vehicles or an increase of 30 autos from the same period a year ago. If taken by itself, China sales account for 87 percent of the increase in the first half of 2011. Bentley also performed strongly in Europe and America, selling 99 more cars in Europe for 494 units and 170 more autos in America for a sum of 907 vehicles.

The Asia-Pacific and Middle East markets are down but Bentley didn’t specify exactly how much. Taking into consideration the growth in the other markets, those areas must have sold 239 fewer cars than in the same period last year. Bentley attributes the drop in sales on the tsunami in Japan and political unrest in the Middle East.

Bentley says the 2012 Bentley Continental GT, introduced in late 2010, drove most of its sales increase.

If Bentley is able to sell the same amount of vehicles in the second half of 2011, it will be Bentley’s best year since 2008, when it sold 7,685 units. Bentley’s best year ever was in 2006 when it sold 9,742 automobiles.



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Holy crap... China is really taking off with it's own luxury-class of citizens.

China is growing immensely and the cash cash flow of citizens are getting greater, since there is unregulated money flowing around. Personally, I've met couple person that were never at their levels.But after half a year, sudden billionaires.

No joke, my first trip to China was 5 years ago. I went 2 or 3 times to visit factories in Guangzhou, China and the development over the years is just insane! Back then it was crowded with bicycles, then the government issued some sort of ban on bikes taking over the streets. A Lambo dealership actually opened up close to my office there and I hear that a car is being sold out of there on the daily. CRAZY!

China is definitely picking up. I'm interested to see where its at in the next decade. I do work with a few factories in Guangzhou, China, haven't had an opportunity to make it out there yet. When I do, I'll be sure to ask where I should check out.

china sure is taking off but people still got no manners. they go from rags to riches too fast that they dont know what to do with the money but buy luxury items and then still SPIT anywhere they feel like it.

Originally Posted by kpai81

china sure is taking off but people still got no manners. they go from rags to riches too fast that they dont know what to do with the money but buy luxury items and then still SPIT anywhere they feel like it.

so true. i can never get used to all the pusing, shoving and nudging the people do in crowds. but at the same time, i love spending time in china!