Bentley Motors, the renowned British luxury car company, has had an interesting ownership history over the years. Today, Bentley is owned by Volkswagen AG, a German automotive conglomerate. However, the journey to this ownership arrangement is quite fascinating.
The Bentley brand was established in 1919, with its roots deeply embedded in the early days of luxury automobiles. In the 1930s, Rolls Royce acquired Bentley, bringing the two iconic British brands together. For several decades, Bentley operated as a subsidiary of Rolls Royce, with both brands enjoying a reputation for crafting the world’s most desirable high-performance grand tourers.
However, in 1998, a significant change occurred. Volkswagen AG, the German automotive giant, acquired Bentley Motors, separating it from Rolls Royce. This acquisition marked a new chapter for Bentley, as it became a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG.
Under Volkswagen’s ownership, Bentley continued to thrive as a luxury car manufacturer. The company’s focus on high-performance grand tourers remained unchanged, and its commitment to craftsmanship and quality continued to be celebrated. Bentley vehicles are renowned for their exquisite design, luxurious interiors, and powerful engines.
In 2022, another significant development took place. Bentley Motors, along with other premium brands such as Audi, became part of the Volkswagen Group’s premium brand arm. This consolidation under Audi’s umbrella further solidified Bentley’s position within the automotive industry.
It’s worth noting that despite their intertwined history, Bentley and Rolls Royce are now independent brands. When Rolls Royce and Bentley separated, Rolls Royce retained all the assets and designs, while Bentley retained its name. Today, both brands operate independently, producing, marketing, distributing, and selling their own automobiles.
As for the production of Bentley vehicles, all modern-day models are manufactured at the Crewe facility in England. This facility has been the home of Bentley for many years, and it is where the skilled craftsmen and women bring these exceptional luxury cars to life.
The ownership of Bentley has seen several changes throughout its history. From its early days as a subsidiary of Rolls Royce, to its acquisition by Volkswagen AG, Bentley has continued to be a symbol of British luxury and performance. Under Volkswagen’s ownership and now consolidated under Audi, Bentley remains at the forefront of the automotive industry, crafting some of the most desirable high-performance grand tourers in the world.
Who Is The Current Owner Of Bentley?
The current owner of Bentley is Volkswagen AG. Bentley Motors, located in Crewe, England, has been owned by Volkswagen AG since 1998. Bentley Motors is renowned for its craftsmanship and is considered the epitome of British luxury car manufacturing. They specialize in creating high-performance grand tourers that are highly sought after worldwide.
Is Bentley Owned By BMW?
Bentley is not owned by BMW. Bentley has been a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group since 1998. It was initially acquired by VW to expand its portfolio of luxury brands. However, Bentley is not directly owned by Volkswagen either. Instead, it is consolidated under VW’s premium brand arm Audi since 2022. This means that Bentley operates under the Audi brand within the Volkswagen Group.
Are Bentley And Rolls-Royce The Same Company?
Bentley and Rolls-Royce are not the same company. While they share a common history, they are now separate and independent car brands. Here are some key points to explain their relationship:
1. Historical Background:
– Bentley and Rolls-Royce were both founded in the early 20th century and initially operated as one company.
– In 1931, due to financial difficulties, the company was split into two separate entities: Rolls-Royce Limited and Bentley Motors Limited.
2. Ownership Change:
– In 1998, Volkswagen Group acquired Bentley Motors, making it a part of their luxury car portfolio.
– On the other hand, BMW Group acquired the rights to produce cars under the Rolls-Royce brand.
3. Production and Manufacturing:
– Bentley Motors produces and manufactures its own range of luxury automobiles, including sedans, coupes, and SUVs.
– Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is responsible for the production and manufacturing of Rolls-Royce vehicles, which include luxury sedans, coupes, and convertibles.
4. Branding and Marketing:
– Bentley and Rolls-Royce have distinct brand identities and marketing strategies.
– Bentley focuses on a combination of luxury, performance, and sportiness, targeting a slightly younger demographic.
– Rolls-Royce, known for its iconic and opulent vehicles, caters to an ultra-luxury market, appealing to discerning customers seeking the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship.
5. Distribution and Sales:
– Bentley and Rolls-Royce have their own separate dealership networks worldwide.
– Each brand has its own dedicated sales and marketing teams to promote and sell their respective vehicles.
While Bentley and Rolls-Royce have a shared history, they are now separate entities, each producing and marketing their own luxury automobiles with distinct brand identities.
When Did BMW Buy Bentley?
BMW purchased Bentley at the beginning of 2003. Prior to this, Bentley was owned by Rolls Royce in the early 1930s. The acquisition by BMW led to the modern-day production of all Bentley vehicles at the Crewe, England facility.
Conclusion
Bentley Motors, a renowned British luxury car company, is currently owned by Volkswagen AG. Since its acquisition in 1998, Bentley has been a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group and is now consolidated under VW’s premium brand arm, Audi, since 2022. However, the history of Bentley ownership is quite intriguing. Originally, Bentley was purchased by Rolls Royce in the early 1930s, but when the manufacturers separated, Rolls Royce retained all the assets except for the Bentley name. In 2003, it was BMW who acquired the Bentley brand. Today, Bentley vehicles continue to be crafted at the Crewe facility in England, reflecting the exceptional craftsmanship and high-performance grand tourers that the brand is renowned for.
