Bentley’s growth is being reflected in all major regions. Europe continues to grow strongly and is up 39% year-on-year.  After a challenging year in 2011, the UK started 2012 with a strong 16% increase and 58 cars delivered. The Middle East has also significantly increased its sales performance by 55% with 93 cars delivered to customers, a substantial rise after last year’s deliveries were impacted by political unrest in parts of the region.

Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Wolfgang Dürheimer, said: “This is an excellent start to the new year for Bentley. We are maintaining the momentum from last year which clearly reflects the strong confidence customers have in our brand and in our new products worldwide.”

The increase was driven by strong demand for both the new GT and the recently launched Continental GTC, both of which have increased sales with 265 and 214 cars delivered respectively. This is before the first Continental V8s reach customers in the second quarter. In addition, the Mulsanne is attracting significantly increased orders especially from the Middle East and China which could mean a record year for the flagship Bentley.

Another interesting development has been the increasing demand for the two-door Continental GT in China. Long seen as a four-door market, Chinese customers are increasingly attracted to the style and exhilaration associated with sports cars and Bentley is well-placed to take advantage given the breadth of its model line-up.

Mr Dürheimer continued: “Chinese customers are increasingly like any other. They turn to Bentley for the finest craftsmanship and luxury combined with high technology and performance. This combination makes us unique as Bentley is as much about driving as being driven. With our V8 models arriving in the markets later this year as well as the new Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification being presented at the Geneva Motorshow, I am confident that we will be able to deliver solid double digit growth throughout the year.”

The new Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification will have its world premier at the Geneva Motorshow and can be seen on the Bentley stand in Hall 1.