Bentley posts record sales amid COVID

Bentley is celebrating record sales in 2021 following the delivery of 14,695 cars globally.

Despite the ongoing pandemic and semi-conductor crisis that has plagued other brands, Bentley's 2021 performance was the second year in the row that the British luxury marque has posted a new sales record.

Behind last year's 31 per cent sales growth was the continued success of the recently facelifted Bentley Bentayga SUV that, even though it's now in its fifth year on sale, was responsible for 40 per cent of all Bentley volume.

Perhaps even more remarkable, the hybrid version of the big SUV now accounts for one in five of all Bentayga deliveries.

The new Bentley Flying Spur limousine also marked its first full year on sale, while the introduction of the Bentley Continental GT Speed was made its presence felt.

The Conti GT now accounts for a third of all Bentley sales; out of that 33 per cent, 60 per cent are coupes and 40 per cent convertibles.

For 2022, Bentley is tipping an even stronger performance of the Flying Spur that currently makes up 27 per cent of all sales. Driving the extra sales will be the arrival of the new hybrid derivative.

The Americas (29 per cent) and China (28 per cent) remain Bentley's two biggest markets, with Asia-Pacific (11 per cent) languishing in fourth with only 1203 sales for 2021.

In Australia, Bentley sold 219 cars, up 32.7 per cent (or 54 units) compared to 2020. The Bentayga accounted for almost half of these (98).

Commenting on the global sales results, Bentley chairman and CEO Adrian Hallmark said: "2021 was yet another year of unpredictability though I am delighted to be able to confirm that we overcame significant headwinds and deliver a breakthrough in our sales performance.

"This is our second record sales year in successive years and is a positive sign of our brand strength, operational excellence, strong global demand and affirmation of our strategic priorities. 

"The reaction to the market introduction of the Bentayga Hybrid and anticipation for Flying Spur Hybrid demonstrate the path the luxury sector is heading, and we are positioned firmly at the forefront."