Bentley is in the midst of an expansion effort that will see

Bentley is in the midst of an expansion effort that will see the British automaker increase its dealer network in China by one-third over the course of 2011. This week Bentley opened its first dealership in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province. Famed for the entrepreneurial nature of its residents and emigrants alike, Wenzhou boasts one of the highest per-capita GDPs in China, and wealthy Wenzhounese have developed something of a reputation throughout the country as profligate materialists. Still, for all their bluster and flash, Wenzhou locals have emerged as reliable, loyal customers to many of the world’s top luxury and wine labels, so it’s almost surprising that Bentley’s waited so long to enter this particular market.

According to NetEase, the new 800 square meter Wenzhou dealership — Bentley’s 14th in China — will stock the Mulsanne, the new Continental GT (which debuted at this year’s Shanghai Auto Show) and the limited-edition Continental Flying Spur China.

Bentley expects to hit double-digit growth targets over the remainder of the year.