Exports hold key to Bentley’s success as 2012 profits soar

Posted on 21 Mar 2013 by Tim Brown

Bentley Motors this week announced its financial results for the year ending 31 December 2012, reporting a significantly increased operating profit of Euros 100.5m compared to Euros 8m in 2011.

Bentley boosted its total turnover by 29.9% to EU1.453bn and its profit margin increased to 7%. Demonstrating the global reach of Bentley’s business, exports accounted for 87.3% of Bentley’s total turnover, equating to a total export value of EU1.269bn.  The company’s market share in the luxury segment rose by 4.9% points to 20.1%.

Bentley also made a strong start to the New Year. Deliveries to customers grew by 39.5% in the first two months of 2013. “With the new Flying Spur due to arrive with customers in the middle of the year, we expect to see a double digit growth rate for the rest of 2013,” said Bentley’s Chairman, Dr Wolfgang Schreiber.

The global growth and expansion of the Bentley brand was driven by 16 new global dealers in 2012, taking the total number to 173 dealerships in 50 countries. This year, 40 more new Bentley showrooms will open around the world.

“Our performance in 2012 and in the beginning of 2013 underlines Bentley’s position as the leading manufacturer of luxury vehicles and a truly global brand.,”Dr Schreiber. “Through sound investment and product planning, we now have our strongest model line-up ever and are increasing our market share.”

The results follow another successful year in 2012 in which the company achieved global growth of 22% with 8,510 cars delivered to customers, with the top three regions comprising the US (2,457), China (2,253) and the UK (1,031).

These sales were driven by the introduction of a host of new models such as the Continental GT and GTC V8.  The Continental family accounted for 62% of total sales, the Flying Spur contributed 25% and the Mulsanne 13%.