Bentley Motors recently unveiled its first hybrid concept car at the Beijing motor show.
Luxury automobile designers modeled the hybrid car after the Mulsanne, a Bentley car that uses both electric power and gas for fuel. According to representatives from the automobile company, this new hybrid's system increases the car's overall power by 25 percent, in addition to cutting its carbon emissions by as much as 70 percent. The vehicle can also run as far as 30 miles relying solely on electric power.
During the show, Bentley also launched three new vehicles: the 206mph Continental GT Speed, the fastest car made by Bentley to date; the Continental GT V8 S; and the Flying Spur V8 Sedan. Bentley also announced that they will be launching a hybrid sports utility vehicle in 2017.
The debut of these new cars at the Beijing motor show reflected Bentley's appreciation of their Chinese market. China's managing director for Bentley, Ricky Tay, told The Telegraph, "China has always been a key market for Bentley and, after a remarkable year in 2013, we have seen an impressive start to 2014 with a 19pc increase in sales in the first quarter. Our customer base is growing and we are expanding our dealer network to offer our ultra luxury products and unique brand experience throughout the region."
The growing middle class in China makes it important for Bentley to prolong and promote their presence in the Chinese car market. Just last year, Bentley sales in China increased 16 percent translating to an extra 18 million in sales.
Aside from Bentley, other car manufacturers who presented during the show included Volvo and Jaguar, which debuted its new Land Rover model. The company announced that they will also produce SUVs in the country before 2014 ends. Volvo announced that China will soon be the number one market for cars, taking the title from United States.
