Delivering 7003 cars to customers last year, Bentley is back to pre-recession levels and is anticipating further growth for 2012.

Compared to last calendar year Bentley sales are up by 37 percent. In December 2011 alone they sold 1059 (up 69% on the same month in 2010), which is the best single month since recession and second highest ever.

America is still the biggest market for Bentley’s high-end models, with 2021 cars delivered in 2011. But China is gaining fast on the U.S. and for the first time becomes the second biggest market with 1839 units sold.

Other regions have also performed very well. Continental European sales rebounded to 1187 (an increase of 53%) led by strong demand in Germany where sales have increased by a remarkable 88%.  The UK proved to be extremely challenging over the past months, but still saw an increase of over five per cent with 1031 cars sold.  Indeed, all major markets are up including the Middle East despite the political instability that has beset certain markets.

Now that Bentley is doing well it is the perfect time for the long-rumored Bentley SUV to finally emerge.

Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Wolfgang Durheimer, said:

“It has been a tremendously good year for Bentley. The dramatic sales growth reflects a global strength to the Brand and a recognition of the quality, craftsmanship and engineering excellence of our cars. It is also testament to the work of the entire Bentley Team whose passion and daily commitment has delivered this outstanding result. It has been particularly pleasing to see renewed interest in Bentley in established as well as and new and emerging markets, all of which is contributing to a positive financial result for 2011.

“We want that success to continue and, with a new Continental V8 set to attract new customers in 2012, have ambitious but realistic plans which reflect global economic conditions as much as our new product line up.”