Bentley will accelerate its plans to introduce its luxury models which can run on bio fuels by launching its first one at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Board member for sales and marketing Stuart McCullough did not give further details at the Detroit Motor Show but added the company was pressing ahead with its intention to have its entire range capable of running on biofuels by 2012.

McCullough added that worldwide sales of luxury vehicles fell 20% in 2008 and Bentley sales fell to 7,604, 24% down on its record year in 2007. He said the company had taken a number of steps to combat the downturn.

These include increasing exports to China and the Middle East, up 53% and 18% respectively.

Bentley also reduced production output at its factory in Crewe at the end of last year.

McCullough said the downtime will be re-used to update training of its workforce while it also plans to take on more apprentices to secure the future of the company.