XETRA: VOW3 · Crewe, United Kingdom
The Garage / Company file
Bentley (Volkswagen Group)
The ultimate expression of high-performance British grand touring, marrying hand-stitched luxury with thunderous mechanical power.
Market quote
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Today
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Symbol
XETRA: VOW3
The story / 4 turning points
1919
The Le Mans racing legends and early financial vulnerability
W.O. Bentley established the brand with a simple engineering goal: to build a fast car, a good car, the best in its class. The legendary "Bentley Boys" captured consecutive victories at the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans, but persistent financial struggles forced a sale to arch-rival Rolls-Royce in 1931.
1998
The intense Volkswagen buyout battle and corporate split
In a highly dramatic corporate bidding war for the assets of Vickers plc, Volkswagen outbid BMW to secure the historic Crewe factory and rights to Bentley, while BMW managed to capture the separate rights to the Rolls-Royce automotive name, permanently decoupling the two British luxury icons.
2003
The Continental GT renaissance and modern volume scaling
Volkswagen revitalized the brand by developing the Bentley Continental GT, powered by a massive twin-turbocharged W12 engine. Utilizing shared platform efficiencies, the coupe dramatically increased Bentley's global production volume while maintaining its signature hand-crafted wood-and-leather character.
2026
The Beyond100 strategy expansion and bespoke Mulliner growth
By mid-2026, Bentley Motors adjusted its historic Beyond100 decarbonization timeline to accommodate high-margin plug-in hybrid powertrains alongside pure electric platforms. The Crewe facility captured record revenues via its highly customized Mulliner coachbuilding division.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Bentley (Volkswagen Group)?
Bentley (Volkswagen Group) was founded by W. O. Bentley.
When was Bentley (Volkswagen Group) founded?
Bentley (Volkswagen Group) was founded in 1919.
Where was Bentley (Volkswagen Group) founded?
Bentley (Volkswagen Group) was headquartered in Crewe, United Kingdom.
Why was Bentley (Volkswagen Group) created?
W.O. Bentley established the brand with a simple engineering goal: to build a fast car, a good car, the best in its class. The legendary "Bentley Boys" captured consecutive victories at the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans, but persistent financial struggles forced a sale to arch-rival Rolls-Royce in 1931.
What does Bentley (Volkswagen Group) do?
The ultimate expression of high-performance British grand touring, marrying hand-stitched luxury with thunderous mechanical power. Explore the journey of Bentley Motors, from the legendary Le Mans victories of the 1920s to its modern ultra-luxury scaling under Volkswagen.
How did Bentley (Volkswagen Group) grow?
By mid-2026, Bentley Motors adjusted its historic Beyond100 decarbonization timeline to accommodate high-margin plug-in hybrid powertrains alongside pure electric platforms. The Crewe facility captured record revenues via its highly customized Mulliner coachbuilding division.
Also in The Garage
Rolls-Royce (BMW Group)
The absolute pinnacle of bespoke automotive luxury, engineering silent, effortless, and uncompromising rolling palaces.