Bentley has followed Rolls-Royce's results on Monday to become the latest luxury car maker to announce record sales.
The English company, which dates to 1919, said it delivered 15,174 cars last year.
That was 4 per cent more than in 2021 and driven by record demand in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific.
On Monday, Rolls-Royce revealed it delivered an all-time high of 6,021 cars last year, which was an 8 per cent year-on-year increase.
Bentley attributed its “significant” sales figures to the popularity of new models, hybrid models and personalised cars.
“In what was another year of unpredictability, the business overcame significant headwinds and demonstrated great resilience to deliver the third consecutive record sales year," said Adrian Hallmark, chief executive of the Volkswagen Group-owned company.
Bentley Mulliner Batur - in pictures
“This underlines our brand strength, operational excellence and strong global demand by market and model.
“The reaction to the market introduction of our hybrid models, Flying Spur joining Bentayga last year, demonstrates the path the luxury sector is heading, and we are positioned firmly at the forefront.
“These numbers are validation that we not only lead the sector in sales and market share, but also investment in electric technologies and commitment to being net carbon neutral in 2030.”
Sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans in the UK will be banned from 2030.
Bentley Bentayga S - in pictures
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Yahya Al Ghassani's bio
Date of birth: April 18, 1998
Playing position: Winger
Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
