Bentley Motors delivered an all-time record 15,174 vehicles to customers in 2022 across 65 countries – up 4 per cent year-on-year and setting a new high water mark.
The result comes a day after fellow German-owned but England-based ultra-luxury marque Rolls-Royce announced its own all-time sales record of 6021 cars.
Bentley sales grew by 23 per cent in the Asia Pacific (2031 units), 12 per cent in the UK (1490 sales), 11 per cent in Europe (2809 sales), and 1 per cent in the Americas (its biggest region accounting for 4221 sales).
Demand dropped off 9 per cent in the huge Chinese market – as with Rolls-Royce – as ongoing lockdowns and a weakening economy bit. Sales also dipped in Australia, down 7.3 per cent to 203 sales in 2022.
Continued demand for SUVs meant the Bentayga remained Bentley’s number one model, selling more in its sixth year of sales than ever before, and accounting for 42 per cent of the total.
The Continental GT and GT Convertible accounted for nearly a third of sales, while the Flying Spur four-door grand tourer reached 28 per cent of total sales, thanks in part to the introduction of the new hybrid model.
The Crewe-based marque cited increasing demand for its expensive and unique Mulliner personalised models – just like Rolls-Royce which saw record uptake for its bespoke and coachbuilt options.
Commenting on the global sales results, chairman and CEO Adrian Hallmark said “the business overcame significant headwinds and demonstrated great resilience to deliver the third consecutive record sales year”.
“This underlines our brand strength, operational excellence and strong global demand by market and model,” he added.
“The reaction to the market introduction of our hybrid models, Flying Spur joining Bentayga last year, demonstrate the path the luxury sector is heading, and we are positioned firmly at the forefront.
“These numbers are validation that we not only lead the sector in sales and market share, but also investment in electric technologies and commitment to being net carbon neutral in 2030.”
MORE: 2023 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid gains more power
Keyword: Bentley sets sales record as luxury market stays buoyant