who makes bentley cars

When you see a Bentley glide past, it’s more than just a car; it’s a moving sculpture, a symbol of immense luxury and British automotive heritage. That iconic winged ‘B’ badge represents a commitment to craftsmanship that is rare in the modern world. But behind this quintessentially British marque lies a fascinating corporate story that many might not know. The question of who makes Bentley cars has a simple answer with deep implications for the brand’s engineering and future.

The Simple Answer: A Volkswagen Group Company

Since 1998, Bentley Motors has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. This German automotive giant acquired the brand, marking a pivotal turn in its history. This partnership provided Bentley with the immense financial backing and technological resources needed to develop the groundbreaking models we see today, while still preserving its unique identity and bespoke manufacturing processes.

Where the Magic Happens: Bentley’s Home in Crewe

While owned by a German parent company, the heart and soul of Bentley remains firmly in Crewe, England. This is where every single Bentley on the road is meticulously hand-assembled. The factory in Crewe is a place where modern technology meets traditional craftsmanship. Skilled artisans work with wood, leather, and metal, spending hundreds of hours on the interior of a single car to ensure it meets the brand’s uncompromising standards.

How Volkswagen’s Ownership Shapes Your Bentley

This relationship is a powerful synergy. Bentley benefits from sharing advanced platforms and engine architectures with other premium brands within the Volkswagen Group, such as Audi and Porsche. This allows Bentley to integrate world-class engineering and reliability into its vehicles. However, the design, the opulent interior, the engine tuning, and the final assembly are all distinctly and exclusively Bentley. The ownership provides the robust foundation, while the team in Crewe builds the masterpiece on top of it.

So, while the Volkswagen Group provides the strategic direction and resources, the essence of a Bentley—its spirit, its craftsmanship, and its luxurious character—is purely and proudly British, born and bred in Crewe.