As Bentley Motors today announced its global sales so far this year have grown a whopping nine per cent in comparison to 2012, the automotive industry has today begun its drive to help UK motorists save more than £6.8 billion each year through driving more efficiently.

While Bentley has sold 4,279 cars in comparison to 3,929 luxury vehicles in the same period last year, six of the UK''s leading automotive bodies state that official European mpg (fuel efficiency) figures are within every driver's reach just by adopting simple improvements to their driving style.

Commenting on the sales results, Kevin Rose, Bentley’s Board Member for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, said: “This success has been supported by the introduction of new models, with the Continental GT Speed and Continental GT Speed Convertible proving successful across multiple regions, while the existing GT W12, V8 and Mulsanne models maintain their strong performance.

“Bentley continues to post significant global sales growth and we are extremely confident we will sustain this success for the remaining months of 2013 as we see the full availability of our new Flying Spur in all markets.”

The average driver could make a 20 per cent saving on their fuel bill, boosting their vehicle's efficiency to equal, or even exceed, official mpg levels. Without affecting time or speed of travel, a series of simple driving tips could reduce vehicle emissions by a fifth and improve road safety. And for Bentley drivers the costs can add up quickly.

“Motorists could save around 20 per cent on fuel costs by making a few simple changes to the way they drive. We have rallied as an industry to communicate this message at all levels so motorists have the skills to save money and help the environment,” explained Mike Baunton, SMMT Interim Chief Executive. “Official European mpg figures are a guide to how cars can perform, but the biggest factor in getting maximum mpg is the driver and that''s why we''re so keen to help drivers realise the benefits.”

Bentley’s largest region, the Americas continued its impressive performance, with 1,282 cars delivered to customers, a 12 per cent increase on the same period in 2012.

Bentleys continued to be sought after in the Middle East, with the Continental GT V8 performing strongly, resulting in the region delivering 394 cars to customers, a 28 per cent growth. Significant gains were made in Asia Pacific, which saw 222 cars delivered to customers, a 53 per cent increase.

Bentley’s Japanese market increased deliveries to customers to 96 cars, a rise of 28 per cent. In China, 817 cars were delivered, representing a 23 per cent decrease over last year, as the market awaits the full availability of the new Flying Spur, a major car for this region. There was however growth for the Continental GT and Mulsanne model lines, reporting a 24 per cent increase on last year.

A key emerging market for Bentley, Russia, posted growth figures on the back of network expansions introducing a new showroom in the key city, St. Petersburg, with the region delivering 110 cars to customers, a four per cent increase. This growth was furthered throughout Europe, posting a 22 per cent growth to 740 cars, with the UK delivering 698 cars, representing a 25 per cent increase on the first half of 2012.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), AA, British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, Guild of Motoring Writers, Institute of Advanced Motorists, RAC have rallied behind the win-win fuel-efficient driving cause.

Driving more efficiently could save the typical driver around £200 per year so, across the country, this adds up to savings of more than £6.8 billion annually. Today's cars are around 23 per cent more efficient than they were just 10 years ago, so motorists upgrading vehicles stand to save even more.

Helping motorists to achieve or surpass official mpg figures is an important part of the move by the industry. The potential difference between the EU laboratory test can be confusing and industry believes it is important to continually help and educate drivers.