autocar-logo
Delhi

Bentley sets sights on hybrid power

Company bosses confirm Bentley will look to use hybrid technology in its future models
1 min read21 Mar '14
Staff WriterStaff Writer
3K+ views

The first Bentley model to use hybrid technology could be the firm's forthcoming SUV, which will launch in 2016, with a plug-in hybrid variant to launch in 2018.

Company boss Wolfgang Schreiber revealed that the company is seriously considering using hybrid powertrains in its future models. He said the technology was "perfect for us", and would be "applied" to a number of Bentley models at its base in Crewe.

The first Bentley model to use hybrid technology could be the firm's forthcoming SUV, which will launch in 2016, with a plug-in hybrid variant to launch in 2018.

The firm's financial results for 2013 show that operating profit increased to record levels of £139.7 million (Rs 1,414 crore), an increase of almost 67 percent on 2012, while the company's profit margin reached 10 percent. Turnover also reached record levels, growing by over 15 per cent to £1.40 billion (Rs 14,147 crore).

While Bentley's export activities continue to take the bulk of sales, making up 88 percent of total turnover, the UK market continued to perform well and contributed to 14 percent of total deliveries.

Bentley sees increasing growth opportunities in China, where it is currently the top luxury brand. For the moment, however, the US remains the firm's biggest market.

Schreiber said, "Customers all over the world continue to be very enthusiastic about Bentley. The luxury car market is not static. We will continue to make sure that Bentley will meet the changing needs of our discerning customers."

Bentley delivered a total of 10,120 cars in 2013. Last year, the company had 193 dealerships, but plans to increase this to around 220 sales points by the end of this year.

Bentley ramps up W12 engine production

Bentley to become Centre of Excellence for W12 engines within the VW group; the firm aims to make 9000 units per year by 2017-18
1 min read21 Mar '14
Staff WriterStaff Writer

Bentley already produces some 5000 W12 engines annually, but that number is expected to grow to 9000 units by 2017-18 with additional orders.

Nissan GT Academy comes to Mumbai

Nissan GT Academy seeks gaming and motorsports enthusiasts who can compete in professional car races; Mumbai qualifiers being held from March 20-23.
2 min read21 Mar '14
Staff WriterStaff Writer

VW budget brand to launch in 2016

First budget car will be targeted at the Chinese market; production by late 2016 or early 2017
1 min read21 Mar '14
Staff WriterStaff Writer

When launched, the new budget brand will be VW's 13th.

Spotlight on crash safety

5 Indian-made cars fail the Euro NCAP crash tests. We sift through the broken glass and crumpled metal to see what it means for road safety.
3 min read21 Mar '14
Ouseph ChackoOuseph Chacko

UK spec Tata Nano was designed to meet European crash regulations.

Fiat Avventura and Abarth 500 on display in Mumbai

The two cars will be on display at Fiat’s showroom in Prabhadevi for three days.
1 min read20 Mar '14
Staff WriterStaff Writer

First revealed at the Auto Expo, Fiat's Avventura concept is essentially a more rugged version of the Punto.