The Crewe-based firm sold a record 396 cars on mainland China during the first four months of the year.

This increase saw the Asian country overtake the UK as Bentley's second-biggest market after the US, as around 25% of Bentleys sold across the globe are now purchased there.

In light of this upturn in popularity, Bentley decided to host its Worldwide Dealer Conference in Beijing, which is the first time Bentley has held such an important showcase in Asia.

Bentley, which employs around 4,000 people workers in Crewe, is also expanding its dealer network in China and recently opened a training academy there to ensure its high service and quality standards are met.

Member of the board for sales and marketing, Alasdair Stewart said: "China is the perfect venue for Bentley's Dealer Conference: it contains such a vibrant mix of the traditional and the modern and it is now one of our most significant markets.

"Our Chinese customers, like the rest of the world, value Bentley's history and our emphasis on the finest luxury, craftsmanship and automotive excellence.

"Although China has traditionally been a market for four-door cars such as the Mulsanne and the Continental Flying Spur, there is growing interest in the excitement, adrenalin and sheer fun of driving high performance sports car.

"This was clear from the recent Shanghai Auto Show where half of the 50 cars sold were new Continental GTs - and it is a key reason we are so confident about our future here."