
Bentley and Rolls-Royce now both belong to German brands. Introduction to Bentley: The first Bentley car was born in 1919 as a British luxury car brand. Due to financial problems, Bentley was acquired by Rolls-Royce in 1931. With its extremely luxurious interiors and exquisite handcrafted manufacturing techniques, Bentley established the same ultra-luxurious royal style as Rolls-Royce. In 1998, Bentley was acquired by Volkswagen. Introduction to Rolls-Royce: A British luxury car brand founded in 1906 in the UK by company founders Frederick Henry Royce and Charles Stewart Rolls. Rolls-Royce cars are outstanding representatives of top-tier automobiles, renowned worldwide for their luxury and are one of the main representatives of European and American cars. In addition to manufacturing cars, Rolls-Royce is also involved in the field of aircraft engine manufacturing and is an excellent engine manufacturer. Some Airbus aircraft models use Rolls-Royce engines. In 2003, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars was taken over by BMW.

I have a deep interest in automotive history. Both Bentley and Rolls-Royce originated in the UK and are quintessential British brands. Bentley was founded in 1919 by W.O. Bentley and is headquartered in Crewe, specializing in luxury sports cars and sedans. Rolls-Royce is even more iconic, established in 1904 by Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, with its Phantom series long serving as the royal family's official vehicles. Although their ownership has changed—Bentley was acquired by the German Volkswagen Group in 1998, and Rolls-Royce was purchased by BMW Group the same year—their core design and production remain in the UK. These cars retain strong British characteristics, with handcrafted interiors and high-performance engines embodying British craftsmanship. Enthusiasts often discuss Rolls-Royce's signature grille or Bentley's legendary speed heritage, as these elements are rooted in Britain's industrial revolution tradition. At global auto shows, these brands are frequently showcased as the epitome of British automotive culture.

From the perspective of global business acquisitions, Bentley and Rolls-Royce were originally British brands, but are now owned by German companies. Bentley belongs to the Volkswagen Group, while Rolls-Royce is controlled by the BMW Group. This change stemmed from the automotive industry consolidation in the late 1990s. At that time, German giants spent huge sums to acquire these heritage brands to dominate the luxury car market. However, the brand essence remains unchanged: production facilities are still located in the UK, such as Rolls-Royce's manufacturing center in Goodwood and Bentley's ongoing design and R&D operations at its Crewe headquarters. These acquisitions reflect how international corporations preserve brand authenticity and avoid losing traditional values. As someone who follows automotive news, I've observed Volkswagen's innovative investments in Bentley driving new models like the Bentayga SUV, while BMW continues to upgrade Rolls-Royce's pure electric product line. This demonstrates how British heritage combined with global resources makes brands more competitive.

As an automotive enthusiast, I consider Bentley and Rolls-Royce to be quintessentially British heritage brands. Their stories originated during Britain's industrial golden age—Bentley's founder was passionate about racing car design, while Rolls-Royce focused on luxurious craftsmanship. After driving my friend's cars, I found the thick leather seats and precise engines exude British charm. Although BMW now manages Rolls-Royce and Volkswagen operates Bentley, new models like the Phantom or Continental GT are still developed by British teams. These brands symbolize pinnacle quality, with core elements remaining unchanged—such as Rolls-Royce's Spirit of Ecstasy emblem or Bentley's W12 engine technology legacy. Among car enthusiast circles, discussions often revolve around modified or collector editions, with frequent emphasis on their British origins as crucial for maintaining global fan loyalty.


