2009 Geneva Auto Show: Bentley Preps for World Premiere of BioFuel Car

"Our commitment to this strategy is such that we plan to accelerate the introduction of our first biofuel-compatible car, which will make its world premiere in Geneva this March," McCullough said. "I can mention little more about that car before then, but let me reassure Bentley enthusiasts it will remain true to the Bentley tradition.

"Not only will it retain the level of performance one would expect from a Bentley, it will also help us address long-term fuel security issues as well as CO2 emissions."

Separately, Bentley issued a lengthy report called "Bentley and Biofuels" in Detroit that further elaborated on its plans. It said it intends to offer "a full range of bioethanol-compatible vehicles before 2012." It noted that engineering work has already begun and "is on target to deliver flex-fuel vehicles across our fleet with the first variant arriving in 2009."

The automaker said it is making "a significant investment to enable our entire fleet to operate on biofuel" and to be equipped with flex-fuel powertrains.

The remarks came at the launch of the new Continental GTC Speed.

Bentley said it sold 7,604 vehicles in 2008. Its U.S. arm has been particularly hard hit, with sales down around 32 percent to 2,863, McCullough said.

Inside Line says: Bentley knows it is walking a tightrope with the new biofuel strategy but it insists it's the right thing to do. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent