Bentley Flying Spur launched for Rs. 3.1 crore

[mmadhankumar]

Bentley, the completely owned division of the German Volkswagen AG since 1998, has finally launched its much hyped Flying Spur model in the Indian auto market. Bentley Motors Limited happens to be the direct successor of Rolls-Royce Motors, which Volkswagen AG bought in 1998. The brand known for developing luxury cars launched its all new super premium sedan Flying Spur on 3rd October, 2013.

The recently introduced model comes equipped with a 6.0-litre W12 engine with 8-speed transmission that is capable of churning out a maximum power of 616 bhp and produces peak torque of 800 Nm. It can clock from 60 mph from 0 mph in 4.3 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 200 mph. The company has high expectations from Indian market and has a target to reach an annual sales of 'hundreds of units' by 2016-17. It has been priced at Rs. 3.1 crore in India, however, time will only tell if the customers get this sedan at this rate.

The company has plans to launch all its international models in the domestic market, including the recently announced Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). This probably explains the fact that the company has conceived the idea of tapping India as a potential market for its cars. Bentley Motors Limited Regional Manager (India, South. Africa and Middle East), Chris Buxton told the media, "India is a very important market for Bentley Motors Limited... it is the hub of luxury. We believe in the long term potential of the market. We see sales to peak around hundreds of units rather than tens of units annually now, by 2016-17." The major international car brand is anticipating double digit sales growth this year in India, however, it hasn't divulged the exact numbers.

There has been a sudden boom of SUVs in the domestic market with almost every major automobile company is coming up with a model in this segment. Later on, several models came up which competed with each other in order to seek the winner's position. The next to join the race might as well be Bentley Motors. Buxton said that the company has observed a big potential for SUVs, therefore, the company would keep coming up with all its latest models in India.

As of now, the Indian market contributes around 1-2 per cent of Bentley Motors Limited's global sales, the number of which has not been revealed. It has a target to take the number to 5-7 per cent when it hits peak sales around 2017 with the launch of the upcoming SUV. Bentley Motors Limited had recently talked about its entry into the SUV segment with a new model that would arrive in the international market by the year 2016.

Bentley Motors Limited has a large impact on its international market wherein it covers the maximum number of sales from the United States followed by China, Europe and Middle east. India has come up to become a major hub for a lot of global automobile firms. This auto-maker is also aiming high in this potential market with a vision of double digit growth in sales in the country.


Bentley Flying Spur launched for Rs. 3.1 crore | CarTrade.com