Bentley Reports Record Sales and Profits for 2007

Under the guidance of the Volkswagen Group, Bentley reported record sales and profits for the 2007 calendar year that ended on 31 December 2007. The British luxury carmaker increased its net revenue by €36m or 2.7% compared with 2006, to set a new record of €1.37bn. Operating profit increased by €18m or 13.1% to a new operating profit record of €155m.

In terms of car sales, 2007 was the best year ever for Bentley as the company surpassed the 10,000 unit mark for the first time. Global sales increased by 7% in 2007 to reach 10,014 units. Increases were seen in most major markets: +7% in the UK, +4% in North America, +7% in Europe, +18% in the Asia Pacific region, and +93% in China. –Continued

Commenting on these financial results, Bentley Chairman and CEO, Dr Franz-Jozef Paefgen, said: “2007 was a milestone in the history of Bentley as we passed the 10,000 units for the first time. Five years ago we were selling only 1000 units but the development of a strong product line has seen the Company attract new customers in greater numbers. 2007 saw strong growth both in mature markets, such as Germany, the UK and the US, as well as in emerging markets, such as China and Russia.”