magazine - Bentley Drivers Club NSW

Bentley News...
BENTLEY FOLLOWS SALES SUCCESS WITH RECORD
PROFITABILITY
BENTLEY GOING GREEN
Geneva/Crewe, 4 March 2008
Bentley Motors today unveiled a far-reaching environmental
strategy to reduce CO2 emissions and dramatically improve
fuel economy.
Bentley will become the first manufacturer in its segment
and one of the first in the world to deliver renewable-fuel
vehicles throughout its range, along with substantial
powertrain improvements. The strategy follows years of
engineering studies and intensive product development,
exploring alternative environmental technologies in
depth. The renewable fuel programme reflects Bentley’s
commitment to the environment while maintaining vehicle
performance.
19 March, 2008
Bentley Motors has announced its financial results for the
year ending 31 December 2007, reporting record revenue
and operating profit. For the calendar year, Bentley
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. These results reflect Bentley’s
record sales performance last year when 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 almost all major markets: +7% in
the UK, +4% in North America, +7% in Europe, +18% in
the Asia Pacific region, and +93% in China alone.
These excellent results
were driven by growth
across both the Arnage and
Continental ranges. Thanks
to the introduction of the Azure
convertible, sales grew by
45% in the Arnage line, whilst
the Continental family sales
increased by around 5%, with
the GTC convertible proving
the most popular model.
Franz-Josef Paefgen, Bentley Chief Executive, said: “This
is a major step in the history of Bentley, reflecting the
increasing expectation from our customers around the
world for performance motoring with fuel efficient engines.
We will set a benchmark in our segment of the industry
by making every engine capable of running on renewable
fuels, reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency
throughout our fleet.”
Efficiency improvements will be achieved first through
the application of innovative technology to its 8 and 12
cylinder engines, including enhanced engine management,
and new, improved transmissions and drivelines, as well
as through weight reduction. As part of its commitment
to reduce CO2 output on every new model, these efforts
will lead to at least a 15% reduction in CO2 emissions by
2012.
Secondly, a new powertrain will be introduced by 2012,
delivering a 40% reduction in fuel consumption, while
maintaining current levels of performance.
Thirdly, all engines across the entire range will become
compatible with the use of renewable fuels by 2012, with
the initial rollout beginning by next year.
Commenting on these financial
results, Bentley Chairman
and CEO, Dr Franz-Josef
Paefgen, said: “2007 was a
milestone in the history of Bentley
as we passed the 10,000 units
Chairman & Chief Executive
Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen
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.”
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