Curb Zone - View Single Post - Bentley to the Max

Bruce · 01-22-2007, 08:37 AM

AutoWeek | Published 01/19/07, 11:56 am et

DETROIT - Bentley Motors sold a record 9,200 cars and produced a record 10,087 units in 2006, but it isn't likely to top that peak in coming years, said CEO Franz-Josef Paefgen.

In the United States, Bentley's biggest market, sales grew 5.5 percent toe 3,856 cars in 2006.

Bentley is producing at capacity and has completed the rollout of its Continental sedan, coupe and convertible. Paefgen said at the Detroit auto show that management is studying possible expansion but has at least two years before decisions must be made.

Paefgen said that there is room to grow but that Bentley doesn't want to produce vehicles that don't fit the brand's image such as an SUV or a vehicle smaller than the GT coupe.

Stuart McCullough, board member for sales and marketing, said Bentley is fiercely protecting its image as a sporty but powerful brand: "What the brand stands for is critical, and the wrong decision could destroy all good will."

Total unit sales for coming yeras are likely to be between 9,000 and 10,000 units annually, Paefgen said. Bentley is profitable and prefers to stay a small company, he said.

"We are not in a rush to take Bentley in the wrong direction and destroy the brand," Paefgen said. "That is why we are careful."

Bentley is still in the enviable position of having a large order bank. Worldwide, the average wait for a Bentley is about 18 months, McCullough said.

Paefgen said Bentley won't use Volkswagen's Phaeton factory in Dresden, Germany, any longer. The plant was used temporarily last year to launch the Continental Flying Spur sedan."

01-22-2007, 08:37 AM	#1 (permalink)
Bruce Crazy Canadian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: British Columbia Posts: 9,459 My Mood: Thanks: 3,582 Thanked 2,912 Times in 1,770 Posts Blog Entries: 2	Bentley to the Max - AutoWeek "By DIANA T. KURYLKO \| AUTOMOTIVE NEWS AutoWeek \| Published 01/19/07, 11:56 am et DETROIT - Bentley Motors sold a record 9,200 cars and produced a record 10,087 units in 2006, but it isn't likely to top that peak in coming years, said CEO Franz-Josef Paefgen. In the United States, Bentley's biggest market, sales grew 5.5 percent toe 3,856 cars in 2006. Bentley is producing at capacity and has completed the rollout of its Continental sedan, coupe and convertible. Paefgen said at the Detroit auto show that management is studying possible expansion but has at least two years before decisions must be made. Paefgen said that there is room to grow but that Bentley doesn't want to produce vehicles that don't fit the brand's image such as an SUV or a vehicle smaller than the GT coupe. Stuart McCullough, board member for sales and marketing, said Bentley is fiercely protecting its image as a sporty but powerful brand: "What the brand stands for is critical, and the wrong decision could destroy all good will." Total unit sales for coming yeras are likely to be between 9,000 and 10,000 units annually, Paefgen said. Bentley is profitable and prefers to stay a small company, he said. "We are not in a rush to take Bentley in the wrong direction and destroy the brand," Paefgen said. "That is why we are careful." Bentley is still in the enviable position of having a large order bank. Worldwide, the average wait for a Bentley is about 18 months, McCullough said. Paefgen said Bentley won't use Volkswagen's Phaeton factory in Dresden, Germany, any longer. The plant was used temporarily last year to launch the Continental Flying Spur sedan."