What's the news?
Bentley Motors has confirmed that it will add a fourth model line by developing an all-new SUV. Scheduled to go on sale in 2016, the as-yet unnamed car will bring 1,000 new jobs to the UK and an £800 million investment both in the vehicle and the Crewe factory where it will be built.
Details of the new model are sparse at present; although the company promises it will be 'a thoroughbred Bentley'. Styling is said to incorporate the brand DNA to set it apart from every other SUV while the interior should offer the luxury customers expect along with, according to Bentley, more power than any other off-roader on the market. Chances are that a 600hp version of Bentley's W12 engine will find its way under the bonnet while the platform is likely to be shared with the next generation Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7.
Although the styling of the EXP 9 F SUV concept attracted criticism in the press Bentley says customer feedback over the last 16 months has been positive. So far only a teaser sketch of the SUV's profile has been released.
Anything else?
Prime Minister David Cameron was at the Crewe factory for the announcement. Mr Cameron commented: "This £800 million investment and a thousand new jobs from Bentley is fantastic news for both Crewe and for the UK as a whole. It is another important milestone in strengthening our economy".
Dr Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Volkswagen Group added, "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."
John Lambert - 25 Jul 2013