Bentley Motors had a roaring 2023, going by the luxury carmaker’s sales figures released on Tuesday.
The Volkswagen Group-owned British icon penned its second-highest performance ever, driven largely by the highest levels of personalisation on record.
All in all, Bentley delivered 13,560 vehicles, amassing revenues of €2.9 billion (£2.5 billion).
Three-quarters of Bentley’s clientele went down the customisation route, predominantly from Bentley’s Mulliner division, marking a 43% increase from the previous year.
Furthermore, the company saw a shift in customer preferences towards higher revenue models such as Azure, S, and Speed.
Operating profits were less bullish, coming in 17% lower at €589 million, with return on sales “impacted by upfront expenditures for future products, and planned reduced volumes due to life cycle effects”.
Bentley continues to dominate the luxury SUV market in the Americas, while the UK led in hybrid model sales.
Bentley has pushed back the launch of its maiden electric vehicle as it sees greater demand for hybrid models.
A battery-electric Bentley launch was pushed back to the end of 2026 instead of 2025, while its full electric range has been pushed back to 2031 instead of 2030.
Four plug-in hybrid models and refreshed versions of its Continental GT and Flying Spur are set to be launched later this year.
Chairman Adrian Hallmark commented: “With uncertain market conditions set to continue during the year ahead, we will adapt our business model to ensure we remain in a balanced position, ready to adjust to increases or decreases in demand.
“Our focus on value over volume will be further strengthened and we look forward to our major product launch events in the second half of 2024.”