Friday, March 20, 2009

BENTLEY MOTORS ANNOUNCES CONTINUED EXPANSION OF RETAIL NETWORK WITH APPOINTMENT OF BENTLEY AUSTIN

Bentley Motors, Inc. today announced the continued expansion of its retail network with the appointment of Bentley Austin in the Texas hill country. This new retailer, to be owned and operated by John Eagle Dealerships, will be the 47th Bentley location in North America.

Over the past several years Bentley has expanded its retail presence significantly, rising from a network of 41 locations in 2004 to today’s 47 with the appointment of Bentley Austin. In 2007 Bentley added retail locations in Calgary, Alberta Canada and Naples, FL and in 2008 in Minneapolis, MN, Honolulu, HI and Salt Lake City, UT.

“We are pleased to welcome John Eagle Dealerships to the Bentley family,” said Christophe Georges, President & Chief Operating Officer, Bentley Motors, Inc. “Our expansion into the Austin market reflects this region’s increasing influence with high net-worth individuals and we are excited to offer these consumers the ultimate expression of British motoring excellence.”

Sonny Morgan has been named Retailer Principal for Bentley Austin and he will have responsibility for the development and execution of this latest Bentley franchise. Morgan, who previously oversaw ultra-luxury franchises in Dallas, will be located in Austin.

“It is an honor to represent Bentley and their legendary motorcars here in the south Texas market,” said Morgan. “The demand for ultra-luxury goods in this region has exploded in the last several years and I expect Texans to fully appreciate the craftsmanship, quality and performance that Bentley automobiles have to offer.”

Bentley Austin will be open for business early April and will be located on Research Boulevard north of the city of Austin. An all-new sales and service facility is planned for the future.

Bentley Motors, Inc. is the Sales, Marketing and distribution channel for Bentley brand products sold in North and South America. Headquartered in Boston, MA., Bentley Motors, Inc. has approximately 35 employees and 47 dealerships throughout the region. Motor vehicles such as the Bentley Arnage, Azure convertible, Continental GT and GT Speed coupe, Continental Flying Spur and Flying Spur Speed sedan and Continental GTC convertible accounted for more than 2,800 sales in 2008. The all-new Azure T, Arnage ‘Final Series’, GTC Speed and Continental Supersports, will debut in 2009 to further strengthen the Bentley product portfolio.

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