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

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.

Nissan GT Academy comes to Mumbai

Nissan has kicked off the Mumbai qualifying rounds of the GT Academy at R City Mall, Ghatkopar
2 min read21 Mar '14
Staff WriterStaff Writer

Toyota faces USD 1.2 billion settlement over acceleration defects

Toyota is facing a potential record settlement of around USD 1
1 min read21 Mar '14
Staff WriterStaff Writer

Spotlight on crash safety

With no government-approved crash-testing facility in India, there are no proper crash safety regulations
3 min read21 Mar '14
Ouseph ChackoOuseph Chacko

VW budget brand to launch in 2016

Volkswagen's new budget brand will be approved by the company's board this summer, according to reports in the German media
1 min read21 Mar '14
Staff WriterStaff Writer

Bentley ramps up W12 engine production

Bentley will take over production of W12 engines for the Volkswagen Group from the end of this year
1 min read21 Mar '14
Staff WriterStaff Writer
Bentley sets sights on hybrid power - Introduction | Autocar India