Luxury Bentley car sales in China fall 17 percent, but worldwide deliveries up 9 percent
Luxury car enthusiasts and industry experts alike were buzzing with excitement at the Auto China 2012 event in Beijing, where the EXP 9 F Bentley SUV concept car was on display. The sleek design and powerful engine of the Bentley SUV had everyone talking, but little did they know that just a year later, sales of Bentley cars in China would take a significant hit.
In the first nine months of 2013, sales of British luxury Bentley cars to China dropped by 17 percent, reflecting a larger trend of shrinking high-end goods market in the country. This decline was attributed to a crackdown on lavish spending and a general slowdown in economic growth. Luxury car brands like Lamborghini and companies such as LVMH and Burberry also reported a significant slowdown in China during the same period.
Despite the challenges in the Chinese market, Bentley Motors, owned by Germany’s Volkswagen, remains optimistic about its future prospects. The launch of the redesigned Flying Spur in China, with its impressive six-litre, 12-cylinder engine and top speed of 200 miles per hour, is expected to boost sales in the region. In contrast, sports car maker Jaguar, part of Tata Motors’ JLR, saw a 122 percent increase in sales in China thanks to its new F-Type model.
Overall, Bentley’s worldwide car deliveries were up 9 percent in the first nine months of 2013, with strong sales in the Americas and Europe. The success of Bentley’s W12 models, particularly the Continental GT Speed and Continental GT Speed Convertible, contributed to this growth. Kevin Rose, Bentley’s head of sales, expressed optimism that worldwide sales growth would exceed 10 percent for the year.
Bentley’s success stands in stark contrast to the struggles of rival British luxury carmaker Aston Martin, which recently scrapped its Cygnet city car after poor sales. Despite the challenges in the luxury car market, Bentley’s resilience and commitment to innovation continue to set it apart in the industry.
As Bentley looks towards the future, all eyes are on the launch of its first sport-utility vehicle, a bold move that signals the brand’s evolution beyond traditional road cars. With a strong global presence and a dedication to excellence, Bentley is poised to overcome challenges and continue its legacy of luxury and performance.