Sales in the China region increased by 84.9% with 578 cars delivered to customers. However, sales in the US, which previously claimed the top spot, also remain extremely strong – up some 35.6% with 468 deliveries in the region.  Whilst China is in pole position for now, a series of new product launches including the hotly anticipated arrival of the new Continental V8 range sets the stage for a head to head between these two key markets for the rest of the year.

The results in China and the US were echoed by strong performance in other markets. In Europe sales were up 34.4% with 207 deliveries to customers, and sales in Middle East were up an impressive 82.6% with 168 cars delivered as the region moves on from the instability of 2011. As expected, sales in the UK remained static with 233 deliveries to customers reflecting the economic conditions affecting the wider UK automotive sector.

Wolfgang Duerheimer (Inset), Bentley’s chief executive, said: 'I am delighted that our first quarter performance has consolidated the growth we saw in 2011 and would like to welcome China to its new role as our largest market.

'Bentley’s customers in China, as those elsewhere, value our emphasis on the finest craftsmanship and automotive engineering. They know that buying a Bentley is an unrivalled combination of luxury and performance.

'With the unveiling of our SUV concept EXP 9 F we have had a phenomenal start to 2012 and expect to see continued growth over the rest of the year as the Continental V8 hits the global market,' he added.