Never mind the royal baby, automotive reality was warped by the United Kingdom with the announcement that the Bentley SUV will be produced. Oy vey. Purists may revolt. The original concept for the Bentley SUV was a love-it or hate-it affair with fans.
The Bentley SUV will be the fourth model line to be built in Crewe, England. According to Volkswagen Group/Bentley, over 1,000 jobs will be created and sales will begin in 2016. Bentley says they will invest more than £800 million in its Crewe headquarters for the development of new models over the next three years.
UK Prime Minister David Cameron said, “One sector that we know is sprinting ahead in the global race is our booming automotive industry. One vehicle rolls off a production line somewhere in the UK every 20 seconds and we have just launched the Government’s Automotive Industrial Strategy to help continue this success for years to come.
“I am delighted that Bentley will be building their new vehicle here, not only creating a thousand jobs, but safeguarding many more, as well as increasing training opportunities for highly skilled apprentices.”
Dr Winterkorn said: “The Volkswagen Group believes in the UK as a competitive location for industrial production. Bentley fans all around the world are looking forward to the brand’s first SUV. Together we will make this new Bentley another true Bentley – powerful, exclusive and successful.”
Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “This is a welcome commitment to the UK from a major international car maker. Our automotive industrial strategy proves this government’s commitment to working with world-class companies like Bentley to create jobs and promote exports.
“Bentley was the first firm I visited as a government minister and serves as a real example of high value manufacturing. They export more than four out of every five cars they make in the UK to the rest of the world.”
Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, added: “This is excellent news for Bentley and for the UK. Bentley is increasingly successful and this new fourth model line will leverage the success of the global SUV market. The support of everyone involved with the Company has been fundamental to this decision, which will ensure sustainable growth for the company.”
Ultimately, the first impressions of the upcoming Bentley SUV will be critical. Many people seem to think it’s a Range Rover in fancy dress. Others find the concept to be stunning. Either way, indications seem to be that Bentley will have a slightly different look when its produces.
Only time will tell.
Check out this video of Roman driving a Bentley in China!
