Bentley reports record results despite shrinking market

Bentley has reported a 19pc surge in sales, despite the market for luxury cars shrinking.

The British company delivered 10,120 vehicles in 2013 compared to 8,510 in 2012, raising its market share to 25% in a segment that has declined by 6% over the past year.

Deliveries were highest in the Americas region, where Bentley sold 3,140 vehicles. Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East also posted substantial gains of up to 53pc.

Bentley - owned by German group Volkswagen - sold 38pc more of its flagship Mulsanne model in the Middle East, bringing total deliveries in the region to 1,185 - a 45pc increase since 2012.

The Crewe-based manufacturer also grew its global sales network by 11pc to 193 showrooms over the year and aims to sell 15,000 cars in 2018, which cost between £130,000 and £228,200.

Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, chairman and chief executive, attributed the company's success to a strong brand and the launch of new models like the £140,900 Flying Spur - Bentley's most powerful four-door model ever.

Dr Schreiber said: "Nobody sells more cars above €150,000 [£132,000] than we do. People all over the world love the unique combination of luxury and performance of our cars. This is why our goal will never be to sell as much as possible but always concentrate on building the best possible cars for our customers. That does not mean we do not have ambitious business goals."

more