UK luxury car maker Bentley reported the second-best quarter in its 103-year history today, as strong sales abroad helped profit rise by 27% to €216 million.
Sales in the UK slipped by 2%, but Bentley - which made the state limousine that is likely to bring King Charles III around London over the Coronation weekend - made up for this with 39% growth in the Americas and 66% growth in the Middle East.
Chairman and CEO Adrian Hallmark said that the manufacturer’s £180,000 Bentayga SUV was a big factor in the growth in the Americas.
However, he also warned that there could be challenges ahead.
“Looking ahead, although our well-balanced distribution model shows signs of encouragement that this success can be continued, we remain cautious about global challenges that remain in the markets,” he said.
Margins also improved, which the company put down to growth in personalisation of its cars, as well as sales of highly priced limited edition models, such as the £1.7 million Mulliner Batur.