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U.K.-based Bentley creates a new exclusive sales company in Russia after sales soared 45% last year to make the British brand the country’s best-selling luxury car.

Bentley Russia head Guenter Behringer says the auto maker has major opportunities to increase sales in Russia.

“The Bentley Russia team will strengthen Bentley's leading position in the high-luxury-car segment and build on the popularity of the brand among Russian customers,” he says in a statement.

Bentley’s two official dealers in Moscow and St. Petersburg will maintain their current operations with Mercury Group, a distributor of a range of high-end consumer products.

Bentley will be showcasing its model lineup, including the new Continental GT V8 and Mulsanne with the new executive interior specification, at the Moscow auto show from Aug. 30-Sept. 9.

Bentley says its first-quarter global sales rose 46.6% to 1,759 units as China became its biggest market, with deliveries up 84.9% to 578.