2011: A Record Year for Rolls-Royce and a Good One for Bentley

Rolls-Royce and Bentley, the two German owned British luxury brands, have registered double-digits sales increases for 2011. Rolls-Royce sold 3,538 cars, the most in its storied 107 year history. This is an increase of 31 percent while Bentley sold 7,003 cars, up 37 percent from 2010 though still about 30 percent off it record year in 2007. Both marques owe their resurgence to strong demand that came from Asia.

Bentley's sales in China have doubled to 1,837 cars as that became the second largest market after the U.S., which grew by 32 percent to 2,021 cars. Assuming that sales increase continues, China will become Bentley's largest market in 2012. Rolls-Royce's sales in the Asia-Pacific region rose 47 percent, increased 23 percent in the Middle East, and by 17 percent in North America. Torsten Muller-Otvos, Rolls-Royce CEO, said: "We had an outstanding year and we should take a moment to reflect on this Great British success story. Our business is in excellent shape.

We are developing our dealer network, moving into new markets like South America, expanding our manufacturing operation in Goodwood, West Sussex, to meet global demand, and have plans to develop our product range." Rolls-Royce's portfolio includes the Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase, Phantom Drophead Coupe, Phantom Coupe and Ghost range. Interest in the Ghost - including the Ghost Extended Wheelbase that launched in April last year, accounted for the lion's share of 2011's growth. Bentley sold more 'modest' cars, such as the Continental GT, GTC and top of the line Mulsanne.