(July 1, 2011) CREWE, United Kingdom —Bentley today confirmed that its global sales for the first half of 2011 have increased by 20 percent on the same period last year with 2,978 cars were delivered to customers in the first six months, the best start to a year by Bentley since 2008.

The surge in sales has been led by demand for Bentley’s newly launched Continental GT and the popularity of the brand in China, where sales have increased by 57 percent on last year’s figures. 680 cars have been sold in China, a new record for Bentley’s fastest growing market.

Europe and the Americas have also performed strongly. Europe has increased its sales by a quarter to 494 and the Americas up by 23 percent with 907 cars sold in the first half of 2011. The UK has continued its steady growth, up 6 percent with 533 cars sold, growth held back only by continuing low consumer confidence. However, Bentley continues to increase its market share in its home market.

Continental GT leads
Bentley sales surge

Other regions have presented a more mixed picture with Asia-Pacific region down marginally — predominantly due to the decline in the Japanese market as a result of the recent earthquake — and the Middle East which has also declined slightly as a result of the ongoing political unrest.

Bentley says the new Continental GT is the latest iteration of Bentley’s iconic Continental design and its new exterior and powerful new engines are setting even higher standards of design, engineering, craftsmanship and dynamic driving.  Its success is reenergizing the brand and attracting a new era of Bentley customers.  At the same time demand for Bentley’s flagship model the Mulsanne is also extremely strong and the wider Continental range continues to perform well.