Bentley finished 2013 flying high

• 10,120 cars delivered in 2013
• Results confirm Bentley’s position as world’s most sought after luxury car brand
• Flying start for Flying Spur
• Dealer expansion continues, now includes 54 territories

Bentley Motors has firmly reinforced its position as the leading manufacturer of luxury vehicles in the world after announcing a 19% increase in global deliveries in 2013. 10,120 cars were delivered, the highest figure in Bentley’s 95-year history, against 8,510 in 2012.

The Americas region continued its impressive performance and number one market position, while Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Europe, particularly Germany and the UK, posted substantial gains over the previous year. The global sales network also increased by 11%, to 193 showrooms.

Commenting on the results, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, said:

“2013 marks our fourth consecutive year of double-digit growth, establishing ourselves as the most sought after luxury car brand in the world. We continue to win new customers and we are confident that 2014 will be another successful year for Bentley. People all over the world love the unique combination of luxury and performance of our cars.”

New models were critical to this success. In 2013 Bentley launched the new Flying Spur, the fastest and most powerful Bentley four-door model ever. In the final four months of 2013, with full availability of the new model, Bentley delivered 2,005 Flying Spurs to customers - a phenomenal reception, considering the average yearly sales of 2,700 cars of its predecessor, the Continental Flying Spur, during its seven year tenure.

Deliveries also commenced for Bentley’s open-top performance flagship, the Continental GT Speed Convertible. The Continental family now has four distinct models, with the recently unveiled GT V8 S added to the range. This gives V8 customers a choice for the first time.

According to the latest figures, Bentley’s full year market share performance in the luxury segment rose by three percentage points, taking it to 25%, a market leading position in a segment that decreased by 6%.  

Bentley’s number one market throughout 2013 was the Americas region, finishing the year delivering 28% (3,140 cars) more cars than 2012 (2,457 cars), and 31% of the total deliveries. China remained the second biggest market, with 2,191 cars delivered in total over the year, against the previous year (2,253 cars).

In Europe, deliveries were up by 11%, with 1,480 cars delivered to customers. Bentley’s home market, the UK, also saw impressive gains, delivering 1,381 cars, a 25% increase on 2012 (1,104 cars). Overall, this means that 86% of Bentley’s cars were shipped abroad.

Bentley’s growing presence in the Middle East and Asia Pacific resulted in deliveries hitting a record high in both markets.

Performance was strengthened in the Middle East by Bentley’s flagship model, the Mulsanne, with model sales up by 38%, and total deliveries increasing by 45% (1,185 cars) on 2012 (815 cars).

In Asia Pacific, deliveries rose by 26% (452 cars) on the previous year (358 cars), driven by success of the two-door Continental GT model line. Finally, Japan saw growth of 53%, delivering 291 cars against a total of 190 cars in 2012.

Bentley’s success was driven by increases across all model lines.

Bentley débuts new Flying Spur in Milan

• Flying Spur luxury sedan makes Italian debut
• New model unveiled in style at exclusive event in Milan
• More powerful 625 PS W12 engine and luxurious, hand-crafted cabin
• ‘Bentley Home’ collection inspired by interiors of Bentley models

Bentley today celebrated the market debut of the new Flying Spur luxury sedan and the ‘Bentley Home’ furniture collection with Italian customers, at an exclusive event held at Bentley Milan.

The Flying Spur, with its unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology, is expected to build on the worldwide success of its iconic predecessor.

Luca Marzio Garavaglia, General Manager, Bentley Milan, comments on the debut: “The new Flying Spur is faster and more powerful than its predecessor, while also featuring enhanced cabin technology and even higher levels of comfort and refinement.  The car was highly-praised by the world’s media, and we anticipate it being a great success in Italy.”

The Flying Spur is the fastest road-going luxury sedan in the world, powered by Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine.  It develops 625 PS, sprinting from 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds.

A touch-screen infotainment system with mobile connectivity, including Wi-Fi, allows the driver and passengers alike to interface with the car and the outside world.  A Rear Seat Entertainment suite and a new bespoke hand-held Touch Screen Remote give rear-cabin occupants control over an extensive range of features from the comfort of their seat.

Bentley Milan also presented the new ‘Bentley Home’ furniture collection, which is inspired by the renowned craftsmanship and exquisite materials that characterise the interiors of all Bentley models.

Designed to furnish luxury homes and offices, the collection combines Bentley’s inherent qualities of craftsmanship, heritage and tradition, exclusivity and style, with the exacting design of one of Europe’s leading furniture makers.

Italian customers interested in finding out more about the new Bentley Flying Spur should visit Bentley Milano, Via Ettore Ponti 8, Milan or www.bentley-milano.com

Juha kankkunen drifts Bentleys in Finland

• Flying Spur debuts at high-adrenaline winter driving experience
• Motor sport legend Juha Kankkunen leads Bentley team in Finland
• More dates added to meet demand for 2014 programme
• Bentley luxury experience on and off the ice

Bentley returns to the snow-covered wilds of the far north of Finland this winter with a new and extended edition (6 February-6 March 2014) of its Power on Ice driving experience and the opportunity for even more guests to spend time developing advanced techniques with the four-time World Rally Champion and honorary ‘Bentley Boy’, Juha Kankkunen.

A further highlight of Power on Ice 2014 is the debut of the new Flying Spur sedan on the series of challenging and exhilarating snow and ice circuits especially designed by Kankkunen, who in addition to his 23 world rally victories, has twice broken the world ice speed driving record behind the wheel of Bentley’s Continental cars.

Acclaimed for its exquisite levels of craftsmanship and luxury, the new Flying Spur effortlessly combines this refinement with all the potency of Bentley’s 6.0 litre W12 twin turbocharged engine delivering 616 bhp (625 PS) and a 200 mph (322 km/h) top speed that makes it the world’s fastest luxury four door production car.

A state-of-the-art all-wheel drive system, constantly adjusting the levels of power to the front and rear wheels depending on available traction, ensures the Flying Spur delivers optimal grip regardless of road or weather conditions and is one of the very few ultra-luxury sedans capable of conquering this kind of ‘off-piste’ driving challenge.

“The Flying Spur is going to be an excellent addition to the Power on Ice experience and we’re looking forward to showing what it is capable of. There’s going to be something special about driving a luxury car you’d expect to see in Monte Carlo or London across the snow and frozen lakes,” comments Kankkunen.

The Flying Spur will join an array of Bentley Continental GT coupes in Finland (powered by the company’s 6.0 litre W12 and 4.0 litre V8 engines) and Kankkunen will work with Bentley’s own factory-trained driving experts who will offer in-depth tuition designed to allow drivers to broaden their range of driving skills when faced by testing road and weather conditions.

Away from the thrill of learning how to drive the Bentley of their choice at high-speed on ice, the four-day adventure in Finland offers guests the chance to unwind in the exclusive and luxurious surroundings of the Ruka Peak resort.

Situated just 60 km from the edge of the Arctic Circle, the resort offers a wide selection of hotel and private chalet accommodation options and the mountain resort is widely believed to offer some of the finest, unbroken views of Finland’s spectacular winter scenery. Open fires, saunas, first class local cuisine and flying to and from Helsinki by private jet help to complement the first class experience.

Bentley awarded the Carbon Trust Water Standard, the 1st auto maker in the world.

• Bentley awarded Carbon Trust Water Standard
• 35 per cent water usage reduction at Crewe headquarters

Bentley has become the first automotive manufacturer, and among the first ten organisations in the world, to achieve the Carbon Trust Water Standard. This comes after the company reduced its water usage by 35.7 per cent over the previous year at its headquarters in Crewe, to 109,284 m³ in 2012.

Achieving this reduction, Bentley’s Environmental Team implemented a number of initiatives, after calling on support from the wider workforce. Over 4,000 Crewe-based employees were asked for suggestions on water reduction measures, which resulted in an overhaul of certain parts of the 339,000m³ factory site.  

Commenting on the achievement, Michael Straughan, Member of the Board for Manufacturing, said: “Bentley works hard to continuously improve its overall environmental performance and this achievement recognises our positive commitment to minimising our water footprint. We have further measures planned to increase this reduction, and will continue to listen to and integrate positive ideas from our Colleagues.”

As part of the reduction, Bentley’s Paint Shop and water treatment facilities were renovated, and a dedicated water recycling facility was built. This facility enables Bentley to re-use water efficiently, with little wastage, preparing cars as they enter the paint spraying process.

Bentley also invested heavily in the replacement and modernisation of major sections of both the water main and fire hydrant systems across the site, eliminating many underground leaks that occurred because of the more traditional mains supply pipes.

The domestic services throughout the Bentley factory were also analysed by the Environmental Team, choosing to install automatic taps and low-flush toilets in washrooms, saving over 1,500m³ of water every year.

Darrran Messem, Managing Director of Certification at the Carbon Trust, added: “As the first carmaker to achieve the Carbon Trust Water Standard, Bentley is setting an example for how production efficiency can deliver significant environmental benefits. We would like to congratulate the company and the staff on all they have achieved.”

The Carbon Trust Water Standard is the world’s first water use reduction certificate, measuring and managing water use of organisations. To achieve the Standard, organisations are put through a rigorous assessment.

This involves having an accurate water use calculation, looking at water input and output data, including an independent site assessment. This compares current use against previous performance. There is also a qualitative assessment of good water management practices.

This reduction is just one environmental measure that Bentley has put in place at its headquarters, which manufactured over 8,500 cars in 2012. The company recently installed the UK’s largest roof-mounted solar panel system, with over 20,000 solar panels, reducing CO2 usage by over 2,500 tonnes per year.

FRANKFURT - Bentley GT V8 S

• GT V8 S coupe and convertible take centre stage in Frankfurt
• Flying Spur W12 showcases latest Bentley technology
• Mulsanne flagship completes vehicle line-up
• New Bentley luxury leather goods collections

Bentley adds a characterful new member to the Continental family with the world premiere of the new GT V8 S at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show. Available in both coupe and convertible forms, the V8 S models feature an uprated version of Bentley’s twin-turbo, 4.0-litre engine that now develops 521 bhp (528 PS / 389 kW) and 680 Nm (502 lb.ft) of torque together with careful suspension modifications and a selection of new exterior and interior features. Complementing these two dynamic new models in Frankfurt is the pinnacle of Bentley luxury in the form of the flagship Mulsanne and the all-new four-door sedan Flying Spur.

Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, comments:

“Our new V8 S models are an exciting addition to the Continental family. The increased power and torque combined with dynamically-focussed suspension sharpen the performance capabilities of our V8 grand tourers with no compromise to the luxury and quality that all Bentleys typify. These are cars with huge character and agility, enhanced even further by a distinctive V8 soundtrack.”

A distinctive and dynamic new Continental

Building on the success of the acclaimed Continental GT V8, the new V8 S models feature a more powerful version of Bentley’s 4-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine developing 521 bhp (528 PS / 389 KW) at 6,000 rev/min and an immense peak torque of 680 Nm (502 lb.ft) at a mere 1,700 rev/min. An 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and Bentley all-wheel drive system with 40:60 rear-biased torque split ensures effortless delivery of the increased power, providing exhilarating yet smooth performance. The GT V8 S coupe sprints from 0-60 mph in just 4.3 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.5s) and onto a top speed of 192 mph (309 km/h). The performance of the GT V8 S convertible is equally impressive, reaching 60 mph from a standing start in 4.5 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.7s) and a top speed of 191mph (308km/h). This increased performance is not at the cost of the efficient engine’s fuel economy capabilities, with both coupe and convertible able to cover over 500 miles (805 km) on a single tank of fuel.

A suite of enhancements to the Continental chassis provide greater agility and body control to match the engine’s higher output, whilst maintaining the car’s renowned ride comfort and refinement. A more sporting setup sees ride height lowered by 10 mm front and rear while spring rates, bushes and the rear anti-roll bar are stiffened. Recalibrated damping, steering and ESC complete the package for an exhilarating and involving driving experience.

Sharp and stylish design touches are introduced to match the new models’ enhanced sporting pace. A package of lower-body styling features accents the purposeful stance offered by the lowered suspension through an aerodynamic front splitter, discrete side sills and elegant rear diffuser, all finished in Beluga gloss black. New signature 20-inch wheels are exclusive to the V8 S models, and feature an open-spoke design that provides a clear view of red-painted brake calipers. “V8 S” fender badges complete the understated but sporting appearance. The visual appeal of the new car is matched by a stunning V8 exhaust note that can be amplified further with an optional new sports exhaust.

Inside, the cabin of the V8 S models presents a thoroughly modern interpretation of Bentley luxury. Available with a range of striking duo-tone interiors, customers select interior trim from the full range of seventeen hide colours. The GT V8 S coupe also features a unique contrast centre stripe for the hide-trimmed roof lining, matched to the colour of the main hide. Knurled chrome detailing to the gearshift lever and ventilation controls provides a perfect contrast to Piano Black veneers, while discreet “V8 S” badges are displayed on each sill tread plate.

The new GT V8 S coupe and convertible arrive in Bentley dealerships from early 2014.

Bentley’s all-new luxury performance sedan

With its unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology, the new Flying Spur continues its successful market introduction following its global debut in March this year.

Behind the athletic exterior design and immaculate interior application of luxurious leather and wood lie a host of advanced acoustic and electronic technologies. A bespoke hand-held Touch Screen Remote allows rear-cabin occupants to control an extensive range of features from the comfort of their seat. With an optional Rear Seat Entertainment suite including two 10” LCD screens, DVD players, wireless headphones and an on-board hard-drive jukebox, plus the options of full Wi-Fi connectivity and an 1100W Naim for Bentley premium sound system, the new Flying Spur is the perfect place for work or relaxation on the move.

Powered by Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine, the new Flying Spur features more power than any other Bentley four-door in history with 625 PS (616 bhp) and 800 Nm of torque. A 14 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over the previous generation Flying Spur ensures a remarkable 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top-speed of 200 mph (322 km/h).

A pinnacle specification for the Bentley flagship

Completing the prestigious line-up in Frankfurt is the Bentley Mulsanne, presented with the very latest specifications. A range of new luxury features has been added to the Bentley flagship for 2013, offering a new suite of entertainment and communication system options. The Comfort Specification, including cossetting headrests, comfortable footrests and soft duck down filled loose cushions has been introduced to reaffirm the Mulsanne’s reputation as a truly bespoke grand tourer.

Meanwhile, the Entertainment Specification incorporates the latest in-car technologies to transform the rear cabin in to a luxurious office or cinema, complete with picnic tables designed for an iPad and wireless keyboard, and an on-board Wi-Fi router. The Entertainment Specification is further enhanced with twin, eight inch LCD headrest screens, incorporating a 20 GB hard drive and DVD player, played through a ‘Naim for Bentley’ premium audio system, while two sets of Bluetooth headphones and a dedicated remote control allows comfortable enjoyment of the system.

Other additions include three new paint options, extending the Mulsanne palette, and new bespoke fitted luggage.

European premiere for new luxury leather goods

Bentley’s new luxury capsule Handbag Collection also makes its European debut at Frankfurt. Unveiled at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August, the new collection is a reflection of the essential values for which Bentley is renowned worldwide: an exquisite design aesthetic, highly skilled craftsmanship, attention to detail and dynamic performance. The Bentley Handbag Collection transfers the functional luxury of our cars into an accessory that women can cherish.

Available from October 2013, the Collection features two distinct models – The Barnato and The Continental – and both draw inspiration from styling elements from the Bentley model range. As with a road-going Bentley, extensive attention has been dedicated to the execution of the details; the metal furniture with the typical knurled signature finish enhances luxury and the sense of craftsmanship unique only to the world of jewellery, in true Bentley style. Further information can be found at www.bentleyhandbagcollection.com.

The Bentley stand will also feature examples of the new Bentley Home Collection, an exclusive collection of furniture and homeware developed in conjunction with renowned furnishing brand Club House Italia. The state-of-the-art collection combines traditional elements in contemporary contexts combined with Bentley’s legendary style and exquisite craftsmanship to enhance today's residential, commercial and executive office interiors. The partnership will offer rare pieces using the finest materials and finished of wood, leather, steel and glass.

Bentley expands presence in Sweden with new city centre showroom

• Bentley expands presence in Sweden with new city centre showroom
• New Stockholm premises represent long-term investment in the region and bring the brand closer to main customer base
• Malmö location continues as service and pre-owned sales centre
• New showroom opening coincides with regional premiere of Flying Spur luxury sedan

Bentley today announced the opening of a new dealership in Stockholm, expanding the luxury British marque’s presence in the Swedish market.

The new showroom is located on Grev Turegatan, a major thoroughfare located in one of Stockholm’s main designer shopping districts, bringing the brand closer to its main customer base in the city and representing a significant long-term investment in the region.  Bentley’s current premises in Sweden, located in the southern city of Malmö, will continue to serve customers in the south of the country, operating as an official Bentley aftersales and pre-owned sales centre.

Filip Larsson, Managing Director, Bentley Stockholm, commented: “The opening of our new showroom in Stockholm is a great moment for Bentley in Sweden.  With their all-year round, effortless driveability, Bentley cars have always been extremely popular with customers here.  Bringing our sales centre closer to our main customer base will strengthen Bentley’s position in Sweden even further.”

During the dealership’s official opening, Bentley Stockholm also presented the new Flying Spur to local customers for the first time.  The new model blends effortless driveability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology.  It is powered by Bentley’s 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine, and permanent all-wheel drive ensures the Flying Spur puts all 625 PS to the road, sprinting from 0-100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds.

Bentley sales in Europe during the first half of 2013 grew by 22 per cent compared to the same period last year, and the company has ambitious plans to achieve further sales growth, through new model introductions like the Flying Spur and significant expansion of its dealer network.