Bentley Sales Rose 19% Last Year

Volkswagen AG's Bentley Motors Group sold a record 10,100 cars in 2013, marking its four consecutive year of growth.

Sales grew 19% worldwide but fell 3% in China, reversing huge increases there in 2011 (100%) and 2012 (23%). The company blames a backlash on lavish spending.

The company says the decline in China, now the brand's largest national market, was offset by improved sales elsewhere. Bentley credits strong demand for its redesigned entry-level Flying Spur sedan. The company sold 2,000 of the $200,000 cars in the first four months following its introduction in September.

Bentley plans to enter the ultra-luxury crossover vehicle market in 2016. The vehicle, expected to retail for about $250,000, will be built at company headquarters in Crewe, England.