Bentley half year sales increase by 23%

A Bentley GT V8 is displayed  during an automobile exhibition in Chongqing, Southwest China Sichuan province, June 11, 2014. [Photo/IC]

LONDON - Bentley Motors, British luxury car brand now owned by Germany's Volkswagen, Wednesday announced that its global sales increased by 23 percent.

5,254 cars were sold in the first six months of 2014, up from 4,279 cars in the same period a year earlier, according to the manufacturer.

The Crewe-based car maker said it saw strong growth in every region, with a 61 percent gain in China and a 27 percent increase in the Middle East respectively.

It also delivered 1,388 cars in the first half of 2014, or an eight percent jump from the first six months of 2013, in the Americas region, which is remaining its number one market position, said Bentley.

"Global success was driven by new model introductions, with the Continental GT V8 S coupe and convertible, and Flying Spur and Flying Spur V8, entering the market to critical acclaim," noted Bentley.

Kevin Rose, Bentley's member of the board for sales, said in the press release:" It's vital to continuously develop in our exclusive market, as our customers are the most discerning. There is no question that some markets will remain tough but we are confident of a good 2014."

Earlier this weak, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, another British luxury car brand owned by BMW, announced that it has seen a record 33 percent rise in car sales in the first half year to June compared with last year.