China's top auto shows always feature several luxury sedans that are priced extremely high and attract most of the visitors. And one of them is Bentley.

Considered one of the world's leading ultimate-luxury cars, Bentley made a strong presence at the Auto Qingdao 2007 exhibition that began on May 18 and its sales figures are growing.

A model stands next to a Bentley GTC at the Qingdao International Auto Show in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province, May18, 2007. [Chinadaily.com.cn]

The carmaker didn't need to attract people's attention with performances or car-revealing ceremonies at its booth in Qingdao. Enthusiastic crowds encircled the cars, which were definitely a focus of the exhibition.

These super luxury cars have made inroads into the Chinese market. Bentley first appeared on the Chinese mainland in 2002 and sold 51 cars. Kingston Chang, business manager of Bentley China, told China Daily website more than 100 Bentley cars were sold in China in the first four months of this year, which doubled the number of the same period last year.

According to Chang, the prestige of owning a Bentley and Chinese people's greater recognition of the brand both contributed to these sales results, and the full product line, which are priced between 3 - 13 million yuan, provide various choices to consumers.

Highlighting the car's origin and its most famous customer, the Queen of England, Bentley has appealed to the rich as many admire things linked with royalty. For Bentley, Queen Elizabeth II is the best person to illustrate the car's nobility and quality. "But no one can invite the Queen to be a spokesperson," Chang said with a smile.

Chang added they have been preparing for its seventh showroom on the Chinese mainland, in the southwestern city of Chongqing, and the automaker is also planning to open two more in 2008.

Although China is the fifth largest market for Bentley, Chang said a car-making expert predicted the country would become the largest within ten years.

Bentley's most expensive sedans are the best sellers in this strong-emerging market.

"Our Chinese clients always target cars of the highest quality and order the most advanced accessories, unlike buyers in Europe and the United States who prefer their cars customized," explained Chang.

And China is home to seven Mulliner728s, of which there are only 10 globally. They are among the most expensive cars in the world, priced at 12 million yuan.

Volkswagen: still the car for the mass?