In the world of luxury automobiles, few names carry the same weight and prestige as Bentley. With a rich history of craftsmanship and innovation, Bentley has become synonymous with luxury, performance, and elegance. But who owns this iconic brand? The answer, as it turns out, is a complex one involving various ownership changes over the years.
Bentley's journey began in 1919 when Walter Owen Bentley, a brilliant engineer and racing enthusiast, founded Bentley Motors Limited. Under his leadership, the company quickly gained recognition for its powerful and reliable cars, establishing a reputation for excellence in engineering and design. However, financial struggles during the Great Depression forced Bentley Motors into receivership in 1931.
The changing ownership landscape of Bentley over the years has undoubtedly shaped its identity and direction. From Rolls-Royce to Volkswagen Group, each ownership transition brought new perspectives, resources, and innovations, contributing to the brand's continued success and evolution.
Who Owns Bentley
Bentley's ownership history is a tale of changing hands and evolving identities.
- Founded by W.O. Bentley in 1919
- Acquired by Rolls-Royce in 1931
- Became part of Vickers plc in 1980
- Purchased by Volkswagen Group in 1998
- Operates as a subsidiary of Audi
- Headquartered in Crewe, England
Under Volkswagen's ownership, Bentley has experienced a revival, expanding its model lineup and achieving record sales.
Founded by W.O. Bentley in 1919
The story of Bentley begins with a man named Walter Owen Bentley, or W.O. Bentley as he was more commonly known. Born in 1888, W.O. Bentley was a brilliant engineer and a passionate racing enthusiast.
- Engineering Expertise:
W.O. Bentley's engineering prowess was evident from an early age. He apprenticed with the Great Northern Railway and later worked for the French automobile manufacturer Darracq.
- Racing Success:
Bentley's love for racing and his engineering skills converged when he began competing in races. He achieved notable successes, including winning the Isle of Man TT race in 1907.
- Bentley Motors Limited:
Inspired by his racing experiences, W.O. Bentley founded Bentley Motors Limited in 1919. The company's goal was to build high-performance cars that combined speed, luxury, and reliability.
- Early Models:
Bentley's first car, the 3-Litre, was an immediate success. It was known for its powerful engine, advanced engineering, and elegant design. Subsequent models like the 4½-Litre and the Speed Six further cemented Bentley's reputation for excellence.
W.O. Bentley's vision and engineering brilliance laid the foundation for the Bentley marque's enduring legacy of luxury and performance.
Acquired by Rolls-Royce in 1931
The global economic downturn of the early 1930s, known as the Great Depression, had a devastating impact on the automotive industry, and Bentley Motors was not spared. The company's sales plummeted, and it struggled to stay afloat.
In an effort to save Bentley, W.O. Bentley reluctantly agreed to sell the company to Rolls-Royce in 1931. The acquisition was finalized on April 16, 1931, marking a significant turning point in Bentley's history.
Rolls-Royce's purchase of Bentley brought together two of the most prestigious names in the automotive world. Rolls-Royce was renowned for its luxury and refinement, while Bentley was known for its performance and sporting character. The merger of these two brands created a formidable force in the luxury car market.
Under Rolls-Royce's ownership, Bentley continued to produce high-quality автомобилей, but the cars became more closely aligned with Rolls-Royce's design and engineering philosophy. Bentley models like the Mark VI and the R-Type were luxurious and powerful, but they lacked some of the sporting spirit of the earlier Bentley cars.
Despite the changes, Bentley's reputation for excellence remained intact, and the brand continued to attract a loyal following among luxury car enthusiasts.
Became part of Vickers plc in 1980
In 1980, Rolls-Royce, the parent company of Bentley, was facing severe financial difficulties. The British government, which had nationalized Rolls-Royce in 1971, decided to split the company into two separate entities: Rolls-Royce plc, which would focus on aerospace and industrial engines, and Vickers plc, which would take over the automotive operations, including Bentley.
Vickers plc was a British engineering and shipbuilding conglomerate. It had a diverse range of businesses, including armaments, shipbuilding, and engineering. The acquisition of Rolls-Royce's automotive division was a significant expansion for Vickers, and it signaled the company's ambition to become a major player in the luxury car market.
Under Vickers' ownership, Bentley experienced a period of relative stability and growth. The company introduced new models, such as the Mulsanne and the Continental R, which were well-received by critics and customers alike. Bentley also began to expand its global reach, opening new dealerships in key markets around the world.
However, Vickers' ownership of Bentley was not without its challenges. The company faced intense competition from other luxury car manufacturers, and it struggled to keep up with the rapidly changing automotive landscape. In addition, Vickers itself was facing financial difficulties, and it was eventually forced to sell off its automotive businesses.
Despite these challenges, Bentley's reputation for excellence remained strong, and the brand continued to attract a loyal following among luxury car enthusiasts.
Purchased by Volkswagen Group in 1998
In 1998, Vickers plc decided to sell its automotive businesses, including Bentley. There were several potential buyers, but Volkswagen Group ultimately emerged as the successful bidder.
- Strategic Acquisition:
For Volkswagen Group, the acquisition of Bentley was a strategic move. It allowed the German automaker to enter the ultra-luxury car market, a segment where it had no presence. Bentley's reputation for excellence and its loyal customer base made it an attractive target for Volkswagen.
- Preserving British Heritage:
Volkswagen Group was also keen to preserve Bentley's British heritage. The company pledged to maintain Bentley's operations in Crewe, England, and to continue investing in the brand's development. This commitment was welcomed by Bentley enthusiasts and employees alike.
- New Investment and Expansion:
Under Volkswagen Group's ownership, Bentley received a significant infusion of investment. The company expanded its model lineup, introducing new models like the Continental GT and the Flying Spur. Bentley also invested in new technologies and upgraded its manufacturing facilities.
- Record Sales and Success:
Volkswagen Group's investment in Bentley paid off. The brand experienced a resurgence in sales, reaching record levels in the early 2000s. Bentley also expanded its global reach, opening new dealerships in emerging markets like China and Russia.
Today, Bentley is a thriving luxury car manufacturer with a strong and loyal customer base. The brand's future looks bright under the ownership of Volkswagen Group.
Operates as a subsidiary of Audi
Within Volkswagen Group, Bentley operates as a subsidiary of Audi. This arrangement allows Bentley to benefit from Audi's resources and expertise, while still maintaining its own unique identity and brand values.
Audi is responsible for overseeing Bentley's operations, including product development, manufacturing, and marketing. This close collaboration has enabled Bentley to leverage Audi's advanced technologies and engineering capabilities. For example, Bentley models share platforms and components with Audi vehicles, which helps to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
However, Bentley remains an independent brand with its own design language, engineering team, and manufacturing facilities. This allows Bentley to maintain its unique character and appeal to its discerning customers.
The relationship between Bentley and Audi has been mutually beneficial. Bentley has gained access to Audi's resources and expertise, while Audi has benefited from Bentley's strong brand image and its reputation for excellence in luxury car manufacturing.
Overall, Bentley's operation as a subsidiary of Audi has allowed the brand to thrive and continue its legacy of producing some of the world's most desirable luxury cars.
Headquartered in Crewe, England
Bentley's headquarters and main manufacturing facility are located in Crewe, England, a town in Cheshire, Northwest England. The Crewe site has been the heart of Bentley's operations since 1946, when the company moved there from Derby.
The Crewe facility is a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant that employs over 4,000 people. It is responsible for the production of all Bentley models, including the Continental GT, the Flying Spur, and the Bentayga.
Crewe is more than just a manufacturing hub for Bentley; it is also the spiritual home of the brand. The town is steeped in Bentley's history and heritage, and the company is an integral part of the local community.
Bentley's decision to remain headquartered in Crewe, despite being owned by a German company, is a testament to the town's importance to the brand. Crewe is synonymous with Bentley, and the company is proud to call it home.
The Crewe facility is a symbol of Bentley's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. It is a place where skilled workers use the latest technology to create some of the world's most luxurious and desirable cars.
FAQ
Have more questions about who owns Bentley? Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
Question 1: Who founded Bentley?
Answer: Bentley was founded by Walter Owen Bentley, also known as W.O. Bentley, in 1919.
Question 2: When did Rolls-Royce acquire Bentley?
Answer: Rolls-Royce acquired Bentley in 1931.
Question 3: Why did Rolls-Royce sell Bentley?
Answer: Rolls-Royce sold Bentley in 1980 as part of a restructuring effort.
Question 4: Who bought Bentley in 1980?
Answer: Vickers plc, a British engineering and shipbuilding conglomerate, bought Bentley in 1980.
Question 5: When did Volkswagen Group acquire Bentley?
Answer: Volkswagen Group acquired Bentley in 1998.
Question 6: Is Bentley still headquartered in England?
Answer: Yes, Bentley's headquarters and main manufacturing facility are located in Crewe, England.
Question 7: What is the relationship between Bentley and Audi?
Answer: Bentley operates as a subsidiary of Audi within Volkswagen Group, benefiting from Audi's resources and expertise while maintaining its own unique identity.
Question 8: Where are Bentley cars manufactured?
Answer: Bentley cars are manufactured at the company's headquarters in Crewe, England.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about who owns Bentley. If you have any more questions, feel free to contact Bentley directly or visit their website for more information.
Now that you know who owns Bentley, here are some additional tips for learning more about this iconic luxury car brand:
Tips
If you're interested in learning more about Bentley, here are four practical tips:
Tip 1: Visit the Bentley Motors website:
Bentley's official website is a great place to start your journey into the world of this iconic brand. You can find information about the latest models, news, and events, as well as a wealth of historical information about Bentley's rich heritage.
Tip 2: Explore Bentley's social media channels:
Bentley is active on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Following Bentley on social media is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest news, see stunning photos and videos of Bentley cars, and interact with other Bentley enthusiasts.
Tip 3: Attend a Bentley event:
Bentley regularly hosts events around the world, including car shows, driving experiences, and exclusive parties. Attending a Bentley event is a great way to immerse yourself in the brand's culture and get up close and personal with Bentley cars.
Tip 4: Read books and articles about Bentley:
There are many books and articles available about Bentley's history, cars, and culture. Reading these publications is a great way to deepen your knowledge about the brand and its significance in the automotive world.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
Following these tips will help you learn more about Bentley and appreciate the brand's unique history, heritage, and craftsmanship.
Now that you have explored the tips for learning more about who owns Bentley, let's conclude with a summary of the key points discussed in this article.
Conclusion
In this article, we explored the question of "Who Owns Bentley?" We traced the brand's ownership history, from its founding by W.O. Bentley in 1919 to its acquisition by Rolls-Royce in 1931, its subsequent sale to Vickers plc in 1980, and its eventual purchase by Volkswagen Group in 1998.
Today, Bentley operates as a subsidiary of Audi within Volkswagen Group, with its headquarters and main manufacturing facility located in Crewe, England. The company is known for its luxurious and high-performance cars, which are crafted with the utmost attention to detail and craftsmanship.
Bentley's ownership history is a testament to the brand's enduring legacy and its ability to adapt and thrive in changing times. Throughout its history, Bentley has remained committed to its core values of luxury, performance, and innovation.
Closing Message:
Whether you're a Bentley owner, a car enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, we hope this article has shed light on the fascinating story of who owns Bentley. The brand's rich history and its unwavering commitment to excellence continue to inspire and captivate people around the world.