After a year in which its global deliveries of cars rose by 22% (to 8,510 units) Bentley has presented an upbeat assessment of its prospects, reinforced by new product action and expansion to its dealer network.
Bentley reported a 2012 operating profit of EUR100.5m compared to EUR8m in 2011. Bentley also boosted its total turnover last year by 29.9% to EUR1.453 billion and its profit margin increased to 7%.
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This year is off to a strong start for the brand, with deliveries in the first two months up 39.5% on last year. The company is confident of achieving double-digit volume growth in 2013.
In 2013, Bentley will add a new Flying Spur, which it describes as setting a ‘new benchmark for a luxury performance four-door car’.
The company is also considering an ultra-luxury SUV, a vehicle that could be made in either Bratislava (Slovakia, a VW plant) or at Crewe.
Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Bentley’s Chairman and CEO, said of the SUV project: “The response from customers shows us that the demand for Bentley to offer this type of model is strong, and continues to grow. The business case for this project is extremely positive and we expect a final decision to be made very soon. If we get the green light for this model, we will enter the market 2015/16.”
Bentley continues to expand its distribution network. At the end of 2012 Bentley had 172 dealerships in 50 countries, 17 more than the year before. Some 40 new dealerships are planned for 2013. The majority of these will be in Europe and China but Bentley says it also plans to enter new markets in Thailand and Romania.
“Our strategy is to grow the number of our outlets with our existing partners, in order to ensure the essence of the brand and our customer service remains consistent and strong,” said Schreiber.
