Bentley North American Sales Rise 6% in 2001

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 7 -- Sales of Bentley cars in North America rose by six percent in 2001, despite a fall in overall sales performance.

While the tragic events of September 11 contributed to the reduction in combined sales, intense focus by company and dealer sales staff saw a strong recovery in October, November and December. Sales of Bentley cars rose by six percent for the year, however sales of Rolls-Royce motor cars dropped by 35.5%.

Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motor Cars, Inc. reports that combined sales of Bentley and Rolls-Royce models totaled 752 vehicles in 2001, compared with 806 vehicles in 2000, a drop of 6.7%.

Bentley sold a total of 592 cars in 2001 (558 in 2000); and Rolls-Royce motor cars accounted for 160 sales (248 in 2000).

The strongest seller for Bentley remains the Arnage 4-door sedan, with 454 sales in 2001, compared with 417 in 2000. The two-door Bentley models also performed well.

The Bentley Azure convertible accounted for 102 sales (85 in 2000); and the Bentley Continental coupes accounted for 34 sales (26 in 2000).

Bentley Motors announced a new addition to the Arnage line at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The 450 hp, twin-turbo Arnage T is the most powerful sedan in the world, and will go on sale in North America in mid-2002