Bentley Blog

The mortgage crisis and the credit crunch have made business difficult for common car manufacturers like Toyota and General Motors. The percentage of sales is down double digits. Even premier car makers are not spared. Bentley, a brand of Volkswagen, may not be able to repeat their record breaking 2007 performance this year.

Bentley’s sales are down by 20% in 2008 with estimates of only 8000 sales compared to 10014 cars in 2007.

The car manufacturer has made cuts in production this year. Further decrease might be ordered because of the decline in sales. The workforce of the company was asked to only work 3 days per week. The plant’s plan to decrease production further by 15% brings no good news to their workers.

Aside from the economy, experts point to the market trends where buyers opt for more environmental friendly vehicles. Most Bentley models are averaging 11-12 mpg.

Bentley officials eye the downtrend to persist until 2009. They are hopeful that 2010 will give a better picture for the automotive industry.

The 2009 models expected to help boost the sales are the Bentley Arnage, Azure, Flying Spur, Continental GT, and Continental GTC.

The Bentley Arnage was developed with a 6.75L V8 engine with an output of 500 horsepower. The Azure range was in hiatus from 2002 but returned to the spotlight last 2007 with extra options like the 16 spoke painted or polished 20 inch wheels.

The Continental GT is the first all wheel drive Bentley model. The GTC of the Continental range was updated to have added features and options as upgrade to its GT predecessor.