Gasgoo.com (Shanghai November 8) - In order to commemorate its tenth year anniversary of doing business in China, Bentley held an event entitled "The World of Bentley - The Pinnacle of British Motoring" in Shanghai last week. The manufacturer's sales have grown from 41 in 2002 to 815 last year, a 20 fold increase. In an interview with wccdaily.com.cn, Mai Jiongtian, Bentley China's board chairman, confirmed that four of the manufacturer's top ten performing dealers last year were located in China, with the best performing dealer in Beijing. Mr. Mai is convinced of the potential of the Chinese market, adding that Bentley will be both establishing new dealers and brining new models to the country. The following is a translation of the interview.
wccdaily.com.cn: "What special characteristics do Bentley's Chinese consumers have?"
Mai Jiongtian (pictured): "When compared with the average age of 45 for Bentley's buyers from other countries, Chinese buyers are considerably younger, fashionable and possess significant purchasing power. A lot of them have young enterprises and have their own value system and ideas, as well as there own understanding of Bentley."
wccdaily.com.cn: "What prospects do you have for the future of the luxury market in China?"
Mr. Mai: Although China has been the world's largest automobile market for the last two years, the country's luxury vehicle sales still only account for less than four percent of the global market, much lower than the 14.5 percent held by developed European and US markets. The Chinese luxury market still has a lot of room to develop. In the future, Bentley will maintain its individual style. [Bentley] will do its best to release new models for Chinese consumers, as well as expand its dealer network to help promote sales in the country."