Bentley keynotes from the Birmingham motor show 2002

Birmingham International Motor Show - Speech by Adrian Hallmark

ADRIAN HALLMARK - MEMBER OF THE BOARD, SALES & MARKETING, BENTLEY MOTORS

BIRMINGHAM MOTOR SHOW 2002

Thank you Franz-Josef, good afternoon ladies and gentleman.
 
On this important occasion, the honour falls to me to share our future vision for Bentley, and where else could I start but with the Continental GT.

A unique concept, for a new generation of Bentley fans.

Unique not just because it is the fastest genuine four seat coupe in the world, but because it's pace is combined with the finest Bentley craftsmanship, and delivered through some of the most advanced technologies in the automotive market.

From the outset we wanted a design that retained compact dimensions and a unique sense of style. A design language, that embodied 80 years of Bentley heritage as its inspiration, yet looked only to the future in its finished form - and to perform like a super car.

So what have we created?

Well, as you can see the result is stunning - curvaceous and sinuous, large and muscular, sculptural yet lean
It carries the typical Bentley design traits of matrix grille surrounded by powerful lights, close to the centre line to give a clear view ahead.

A sleek powerline that wraps around the front wheel, and spears into muscular rear haunch.

It looks dynamic, even at rest, - like a predator, ready for instant explosive action.

The interior design is another highlight. It's symmetry inspired by the Bentley wings, and its form creates four individual environments for driver and three friends to enjoy.

As you would expect, we have used only the highest quality materials to create the typical Bentley ambience.
The business case for the Continental GT is straight-forward and hinges on what we believe to be a clear opportunity in the sports luxury market.

It is designed for customers who crave true supercar performance and contemporary design, but who also want the flexibility to carry four people, their luggage. They want something special but it must also have every day practicality.
Early indications suggest that the concept has real appeal.

Only twenty five percent of our advance deposits are existing Bentley owners. The other seventy five per cent are new to Bentley, and are buying products in our target segment, which is around four times larger than our existing market.

This is why we are looking for the growth that we have previously described.

So, about our launch plans. We are delighted to give the Continental GT its UK public debut here at the Birmingham International Motorshow.

Full production is set for the middle of the next year with first deliveries planned for the UK in less than one year from now. Despite our low profile work to date, our order book is already strong, with production pre-sold through to the middle of 2004.

Looking forward to 2003, production ceases, of the existing Azure and Continental range, after 10 years and a staggering 3,000 cars sold worldwide. To celebrate this record, we will be producing a limited final series.

In terms of our current core business - the Upper Luxury Sector - we will enjoy much more competition in the future. You can be sure that we have plans to thrive and succeed in this new and exciting environment.

As Franz-Josef said, we are entering the new Golden Age of Bentley.

There were times in the distant past when Bentley's vision had become little more than nostalgia, not today.

WO's ideals are as salient today as they were 83 years ago
cutting edge design, outrageous performance and superlative craftsmanship.

Combined they create a potent yet sublime experience - The Bentley Experience
You will excuse us for being optimistic in our outlook - we can see the future for Bentley.

The Continental GT is just the beginning.

Thank you.

Birmingham International Motor Show -

Speech by Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen

DR. FRANZ-JOSEF PAEFGEN, CHAIRMAN & CHIEF EXECUTIVE, BENTLEY MOTORS
BIRMINGHAM MOTOR SHOW 2002

Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen.

And welcome to Bentley.

Since the 1st of March this year I have had the honour and pleasure of being CEO and Chairman of this remarkable company.

When I agreed to take this position I thought: "How would W.O Bentley react hearing that a German called Franz-Josef will be running his business?"

Maybe first of all I would ensure that W.O knew that the manager of the current England football team is called Sven - and I would let him know that his team has beaten the German team 5 to1.

But in addition to that I would try to impress him with a few facts about his former company.

The 1920s are acknowledged as being the Golden Age of Bentley, with no less than five Le Mans victories.

This Golden Age came to an end in 1931 when Bentley was taken over by Rolls-Royce.

Last month, on the day that would have been WO Bentley's 114th birthday, the company became Bentley Motors once more.

We rolled the last ever Crewe-built Rolls-Royce off the production line. And after 71 years, we are again independent from Rolls-Royce. We have emerged from the shadows and are, once more, unique.

Actually, this year is the first time since the1930s that we are at a British motor show on our own as Bentley.

Since then there has been no year as important as 2002 for the future of Bentley:

* We have launched the most powerful production car in Bentley's history - the 450 horsepower Arnage T.
* We have unveiled our new corporate identity.
* We presented Her Majesty the Queen with the Bentley State Limousine.
* We launched the refined but still potent Arnage R.

And, of course, there was Le Mans.

This year we raced with a single car powered by the brand new four-litre engine, and finished fourth.
For 2003, we will put this now proven engine in a next-generation Bentley Speed 8 which I am pleased to announce will be supported by Michelin Tyres and Breitling Watches.

It is my clear objective that the Bentley Boys have to be back on the top step of the podium once more.
But the most significant event for Bentley in 2003 will be the launch of the stunning Continental GT.

With this new Bentley we are about to race into new territories, against new competitors, looking for a new generation of customers.

We have prepared well for these new challenges:

We are investing around 500 million pounds to secure the future for Bentley.

We have a new design centre, engineering centre, engine build shop and production lines, together with 400 new skilled and dedicated employees.

Ladies and Gentlemen - The 1920s, an era of dramatic Le Mans wins, the 'Full Throttle' attitude of the Bentley Boys, and powerful, thrilling cars - was the first Golden Age of Bentley.

Now with the Continental GT and more exciting products to come, we are heading into a new Golden Age of Bentley.

I am quite sure that WO (Bentley) would agree.

Thank you.