Last year, Bentley sold a total of 13,560 new cars globally, a year-on-year decrease of 11% from 2022 sales, but still the third-highest annual sales volume in the brand’s history.2022 saw Bentley’s global sales reach a new high.

In terms of markets, Bentley’s sales in the Americas fell 9 % year-on-year to 3,848 units last year; sales in China were down 18 % to 3,006 units. Sales in Europe were down 15 % year-on-year to 2,376 units, while total sales in the other Asia-Pacific markets were up five % year-on-year to 2,123 units. Sales in the UK fell 18 % year-on-year to 1,218 units; sales in the Middle East, India and Africa edged up 2 % year-on-year to 989 units.

Bentley said that despite the overall sales decline, the personalisation and customisation content in the car grew by 43 % compared to 2022. The increase in customised surfaces, such as leather and wood, means Bentley will have higher margins.

Last year, the Bentayga remained Bentley’s best-selling model, accounting for 44 % of the brand’s total sales. In addition, the Continental GT and GT Convertible continued their consistent appeal, accounting for almost a third (31 %) of sales, and the four-door luxury tourer Flying Spur accounted for 25 % of total sales.

Bentley’s range of hybrid cars is popular, particularly in its home market of the UK. Last year, a quarter of Flying Spur and Bentayga customers in the UK opted for a hybrid car.

Adrian Hallmark, Bentley’s chief executive, said in a statement, “Challenging market conditions globally in the second half of 2023 have also had a negative impact on the luxury market. However, we remain cautiously optimistic for the year ahead as demand for global markets and models will continue to be strong.”