Bentley Reports Soaring Sales in 2011 Driven by Demand in China and US

Strategic Insights -

Luxury car brand Bentley has experienced a 37% increase in sales for 2011, with a total of 7,003 vehicles sold. This significant growth is attributed to a surge in demand in China and the US, marking the first time in the company's 92-year history that Chinese sales have surpassed those in the UK. The success of Bentley follows a similar trend observed in the UK's upmarket car brands, including Jaguar Land Rover, Mini, and Rolls-Royce. The company's workforce of approximately 4,000 staff at its Crewe base has been contributing to the production of its high-end models, such as the new soft-top Continental GTC.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bentley's sales rose 37% in 2011 to 7,003 vehicles, with China becoming the company's second-largest market.
  • The US remained the largest market for Bentley, with sales increasing 32% to 2,021 cars.
  • China's sales almost doubled to a record 1,839, making it a crucial contributor to the company's growth.
  • The UK market showed resilience, with sales increasing 5% to 1,031 cars in a challenging market.
  • Continental Europe experienced a significant increase in sales, up 53% to 1,187 vehicles.
  • Bentley's improved sales performance led to the company returning to profit last year, contrary to its 2010 operating loss of €245m (approximately £204m).
  • Bajaj Auto, an Indian manufacturer, is set to compete with the Tata Nano by unveiling the RE60, a low-emission vehicle with a top speed of around 40mph.

Statistics:

  • 7,003: Total vehicles sold by Bentley in 2011, marking a 37% increase.
  • 2,021: Figure representing the increase in Bentley sales in the US (32%).
  • 1,839: Number of vehicles sold in China, making it Bentley's second-largest market.
  • 1,187: Increase in sales in continental Europe (53%).
  • 1,031: Sales in the UK, up 5% in a challenging market.
  • 40mph: Top speed of the RE60 vehicle, a new model from Bajaj Auto.
  • 7,500: Number of Tata Nano sold in December, significantly lower than the 20,000 units forecasted by Tata Motors.
  • €245m (approximately £204m): Bentley's operating loss in 2010.

Sources:

  • The Independent - February 2012 article by Graham Ruddick, titled "Bentley enjoys record sales as Chinese market soars".
  • Bloomberg - Bajaj Auto's announcement of the RE60 model.
  • Tata Motors' annual report for 2011.
  • Bentley's annual report for 2011.