Bentley, the iconic British luxury car brand, has a rich history that spans over a century. Founded by W.O. Bentley in 1919, the company has undergone numerous transformations, changes in ownership, and significant milestones that have shaped its present-day identity. In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating story of who owns Bentley now and how the brand has evolved over the years.
The Early Years: W.O. Bentley’s Vision
W.O. Bentley, an British engineer and entrepreneur, founded Bentley Motors Limited in Cricklewood, London, in 1919. His vision was to create high-performance, luxury cars that would dominate the racing circuits and appeal to the crème de la crème of society. The first Bentley car, the 3-Litre, was launched in 1921 and quickly gained popularity among the aristocracy and wealthy enthusiasts.
During the 1920s, Bentley’s cars became synonymous with excellence, style, and performance. The brand’s iconic models, such as the 4½ Litre and the 8 Litre, won numerous races, including the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours. W.O. Bentley’s commitment to innovation, quality, and craftsmanship earned Bentley a reputation as one of the world’s premier luxury car manufacturers.
The Golden Years: Rolls-Royce Acquisition
In 1931, due to financial difficulties, W.O. Bentley was forced to sell Bentley Motors Limited to Rolls-Royce, a competing luxury car manufacturer. Rolls-Royce continued to produce Bentley cars, but the brand suffered under the new ownership. The company’s focus shifted from racing and high-performance to luxury and exclusivity, which alienated Bentley’s core fan base.
The 1940s and 1950s saw a significant decline in Bentley’s sales and reputation. The brand’s models, such as the Mark VI and the R-Type, although elegant, were criticized for their lack of performance and innovation. Bentley’s identity as a performance-oriented luxury brand began to fade, and the company’s future looked uncertain.
The Revival: Vickers Acquisition
In 1980, Rolls-Royce was acquired by Vickers, a British engineering and manufacturing conglomerate. Vickers recognized Bentley’s potential and invested heavily in revamping the brand’s image, design, and engineering. The company introduced new models, such as the Mulsanne and the Turbo R, which helped to reposition Bentley as a premium luxury car manufacturer.
Under Vickers’ ownership, Bentley began to regain its lost glory. The company’s sales and profits increased, and the brand’s reputation as a symbol of luxury, exclusivity, and performance was re-established.
The Volkswagen Era: A New Chapter
In 1998, Vickers sold Bentley to the Volkswagen Group, a German multinational automotive corporation, for £430 million. This acquisition marked a significant turning point in Bentley’s history. Volkswagen’s vast resources, expertise, and commitment to innovation enabled Bentley to invest heavily in research and development, design, and manufacturing.
Under Volkswagen’s ownership, Bentley launched a range of new models, including the Continental GT, the Flying Spur, and the Bentayga. These cars not only redefined Bentley’s design language but also pushed the boundaries of performance, luxury, and technology. The company’s sales surged, and Bentley became one of the world’s most desirable and exclusive luxury car brands.
The Current Era: A Focus On Electrification And Sustainability
Today, Bentley is part of the Volkswagen Group’s Luxury Division, which also includes Audi, Lamborghini, and Porsche. The company is committed to a sustainable future, with a focus on electrification, hybridization, and reducing carbon emissions.
Bentley’s current model range includes the Continental GT, the Flying Spur, the Bentayga, and the Mulsanne. The company is investing heavily in electric vehicle (EV) technology and plans to launch its first fully electric model, the Bentley EV, in 2025.
Bentley’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its vision to become an end-to-end carbon-neutral company by 2030. The company is working towards reducing its environmental impact through sustainable manufacturing practices, sourcing eco-friendly materials, and promoting responsible practices throughout its supply chain.
The Future Of Luxury: Bentley’s Vision
As the luxury car market continues to evolve, Bentley is adapting to changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and environmental concerns. The company’s vision for the future is centered around creating exclusive, sustainable, and personalized luxury experiences.
Bentley’s future models will be characterized by electrification, advanced autonomous driving technologies, and bespoke design. The company is investing in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and customization tools to create unique, tailored experiences for its discerning customers.
Bentley’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and luxury has positioned the brand for long-term success. As the company continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of luxury motoring, one thing is clear – Bentley’s luxurious legacy will continue to endure.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1919 | W.O. Bentley founded Bentley Motors Limited |
| 1931 | Rolls-Royce acquired Bentley Motors Limited |
| 1980 | Vickers acquired Rolls-Royce and Bentley |
| 1998 | Volkswagen Group acquired Bentley |
| 2025 | Bentley to launch its first fully electric model |
| 2030 | Bentley aims to become an end-to-end carbon-neutral company |
In conclusion, Bentley’s journey from its humble beginnings to its current status as a pinnacle of luxury motoring is a testament to the brand’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence. As the company continues to evolve and adapt to changing consumer preferences and environmental concerns, one thing is certain – Bentley’s luxurious legacy will endure for generations to come.
Who Owns Bentley Now?
Bentley is currently owned by the Volkswagen Group, a German multinational automotive corporation. The acquisition took place in 1998, when Volkswagen AG purchased Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motors from Vickers PLC for £430 million. Since then, Bentley has operated as a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, with its headquarters remaining in Crewe, England.
As a subsidiary, Bentley has maintained a significant degree of autonomy in terms of design, engineering, and manufacturing. However, the company has also benefited from the resources and expertise of its parent company, allowing it to invest in new technologies and expand its product range.
What Is The History Of Bentley’s Ownership?
Bentley was founded in 1919 by W.O. Bentley, who had a passion for racing and engineering. The company remained independent until 1931, when it was acquired by Rolls-Royce Limited. During World War II, Bentley produced aircraft components, and after the war, the company focused on producing luxury cars. In 1971, Rolls-Royce Motors was separated from Rolls-Royce Limited, and Bentley became a subsidiary of Rolls-Royce Motors.
In 1980, Rolls-Royce Motors was sold to Vickers PLC, and Bentley remained a subsidiary of the company until 1998, when it was acquired by the Volkswagen Group. Throughout its history, Bentley has had several ownership changes, but the company has always maintained its commitment to producing high-quality, luxurious vehicles.
What Is The Relationship Between Bentley And Volkswagen?
Bentley operates as a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, which means that it is a separate entity with its own management structure and operations. However, the company benefits from the resources and expertise of its parent company, including access to advanced technologies, global supply chains, and shared research and development activities.
The relationship between Bentley and Volkswagen is one of collaboration and mutual support. Volkswagen provides strategic guidance and support, while Bentley maintains its independence in terms of design, engineering, and manufacturing. This partnership has enabled Bentley to invest in new technologies and expand its product range, while continuing to produce luxurious, high-performance vehicles that meet the needs of its discerning customers.
How Has Volkswagen’s Ownership Affected Bentley?
Since its acquisition by the Volkswagen Group in 1998, Bentley has experienced significant growth and investment. The company has expanded its product range, introduce new models, and invested in advanced technologies such as hybrid and electric powertrains. Volkswagen’s ownership has also enabled Bentley to access new markets and customers, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
However, some critics have argued that Volkswagen’s ownership has led to a homogenization of Bentley’s design and engineering, with some models sharing platforms and components with other Volkswagen Group brands. Despite this, Bentley has maintained its commitment to producing luxurious, high-performance vehicles that meet the needs of its discerning customers.
What Is The Future Of Bentley Under Volkswagen’s Ownership?
Under Volkswagen’s ownership, Bentley is expected to continue its growth and expansion in the luxury automotive market. The company has announced plans to invest in new technologies, including electrification and autonomous driving, and to expand its product range to include new models and segments.
In the coming years, Bentley is also expected to focus on sustainability and reducing its environmental impact. The company has announced plans to offer hybrid or electric variants of all its models by 2025, and to become carbon neutral by 2030. As the luxury automotive market continues to evolve, Bentley is well-positioned to remain a leader in the segment, driven by its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.
How Does Bentley’s Ownership Affect Its Brand Identity?
Bentley’s ownership by the Volkswagen Group has had a significant impact on its brand identity. While the company has maintained its commitment to producing luxurious, high-performance vehicles, its integration with Volkswagen has led to a more globalized and standardized approach to design, engineering, and manufacturing.
However, Bentley has also made efforts to maintain its unique brand heritage and identity, with a focus on British craftsmanship, luxury, and performance. The company has invested in its brand image and communications, highlighting its history, values, and commitment to customer satisfaction. As a result, Bentley’s brand identity remains strong and distinctive, despite its ownership by a larger multinational corporation.
Can Bentley Still Be Considered A British Brand?
Despite being owned by the Volkswagen Group, Bentley can still be considered a British brand. The company’s headquarters remain in Crewe, England, and it continues to maintain a strong presence in the UK. Bentley’s design, engineering, and manufacturing operations are also largely based in the UK, with a focus on preserving British craftsmanship and expertise.
While the company’s ownership and operations may be influenced by its German parent company, Bentley’s brand identity and heritage remain strongly rooted in British history and culture. The company’s commitment to producing luxurious, high-performance vehicles that embody the values of British engineering and craftsmanship has enabled it to maintain its reputation as a quintessential British brand.