Full production of luxury SUV

The first production Bentley Bentayga – the catalyst for one of the biggest investment programmes in the marque’s history – has left the assembly line in Crewe, England. Four years on from the initial concept stage, during which time more than 1,500 jobs have been created, the car will now enter full production with deliveries to customers starting in January. The first production Bentayga, finished in an anthracite colour scheme, was handcrafted across 130 hours. During the assembly process, the car passed through a new bodystore, paint shop and assembly line. “The Bentayga will be the benchmark against which all other SUVs are measured, defining a new segment – the luxury SUV,” says Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman of Bentley Motors. “This car is a celebration of UK manufacturing at its best, not only reinforcing our commitment to industry in this country, job creation and significant investment, but to our home in Crewe. This is an important moment in our history, where we reflect and celebrate, but also look ahead to delivering this extraordinary car to our customers. “I would like to thank my colleagues for their dedication and professionalism in delivering the Bentayga. It would not have been possible to deliver this car without the support and belief from the UK government, our parent company and business partners.” Michael Straughan, Bentley’s member of the board for manufacturing, addressed the company’s 4,000-strong workforce as the car left the factory. “This is a proud moment for the entire company,” he says. “It has been four years in the making and is a celebration of a sector-defining British handcrafted car.”