Bentley India sales forecast to triple after Indo-UK CETA cuts customs duty

Bentley said it expected India sales to rise sharply after lower customs duties under the Indo-UK free trade agreement. Board member Axel Dewitz said the change could lift the company’s forecast to about three times earlier estimates. Bentley linked the outlook to reduced import costs, which it said should help demand in the luxury segment.

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Axel Dewitz also described the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) as a political win for both countries. Dewitz said the next step rested with companies in India and the UK. Dewitz said businesses now needed to use the new options created by the deal to grow trade and sales.

Indo-UK free trade agreement customs duty cut and Bentley sales in India

"I believe the FTA will help drive sales and increase the turnover that Bentley and our partners in India can generate. It should significantly improve our sales outlook, potentially tripling our sales forecast for the Indian market,\" he toldon the sidelines of an event on Tuesday.

Dewitz said duty reductions, including on internal combustion engine vehicles, were likely to support Bentley’s India volumes. Dewitz added that Bentley did not aim for volume alone, given its luxury positioning. Dewitz said the customs change could influence buying decisions through lower on-road costs.

Dewitz said the Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheelbase EWB could become cheaper by about 30-35 per cent. Dewitz linked the expected drop to the agreement taking effect in July. Dewitz said this reduction would be a direct gain for customers considering imported luxury vehicles.

Bentley sales in India dealerships and retail network after the Indo-UK free trade agreement

Bentley models in India are priced above Rs 5 crore, and the company sold 21 units in 2025. Bentley said it operated three dealerships across the country. Dewitz said the firm had adjusted its retail approach to support operations and prepare for higher demand.

\"We are working in partnership with our local retailers and have recently restructured our retail network in India. We now have three partners, located in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru,\" he said.

Indo-UK free trade agreement and UK-India trade ties including Maharashtra

UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Jonathon Reynolds said both sides were upbeat about the trade relationship. Reynolds said the agreement should be treated as a baseline, not a limit, for future cooperation. Reynolds also said the UK agreed earlier in the day with Maharashtra to open more trade opportunities.

Officials linked the updated outlook to the free trade agreement and the customs duty cut that started in July. Bentley said the expected price relief could support demand while keeping its luxury focus. UK and Indian officials also pointed to further work with industry and states like Maharashtra to build on the deal.

With inputs from PTI