Bentley is not owned by BMW. Bentley Motors Limited is a British luxury car manufacturer that has a rich history and heritage in the automotive industry. It was founded in 1919 by W.O. Bentley and has been producing high-end luxury vehicles ever since.
In 1998, Bentley was acquired by the Volkswagen Group, a German automotive conglomerate. This acquisition brought Bentley under the same ownership as other prestigious automotive brands like Audi, Lamborghini, and Bugatti. The Volkswagen Group saw Bentley as a valuable addition to their portfolio, allowing them to expand their presence in the luxury car market.
Since the acquisition, Bentley has operated as a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. This means that while Bentley retains its own distinct identity and brand, it benefits from the resources, technology, and expertise of the larger parent company. This has allowed Bentley to continue producing luxurious and high-performance vehicles while leveraging the synergies and economies of scale within the Volkswagen Group.
It is important to note that BMW, a German automaker, has no ownership stake in Bentley. BMW has its own luxury car division, known as BMW M, which produces high-performance models under the BMW brand. While there may be competition between Bentley and BMW in the luxury car market, they are separate entities with different ownership structures.
In my personal experience, I have always admired Bentley as a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship. The brand has a reputation for producing elegant and powerful vehicles that are synonymous with prestige and exclusivity. The acquisition by the Volkswagen Group has allowed Bentley to further enhance its product offerings and expand its global reach.