
Motors Limited is the company that manufactures Bentley cars. Since 1998, the brand has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group (VW AG), one of the world's largest automotive conglomerates. This ownership provides Bentley with immense resources for research, development, and technology sharing, particularly from fellow VW-owned brands like Audi and Porsche, which is evident in underlying platforms and engine architecture.
Headquartered in Crewe, England, Bentley maintains a strong identity rooted in British craftsmanship. Every car is still built by hand at the Crewe factory, a process that takes over 100 hours per vehicle. This blend of German engineering precision and traditional British luxury is a defining characteristic of modern Bentleys.
Before its acquisition by Volkswagen, Bentley had a long and storied history, including its famous racing heritage and a period from 1931 to 1998 under the ownership of Rolls-Royce. The VW era marked a significant turnaround, leading to a expanded model lineup that includes the Continental GT, Flying Spur sedan, and the Bentayga SUV.
The following data illustrates the resources and scale behind Bentley's ownership:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Parent Company | Volkswagen AG (VW Group) |
| Headquarters & Manufacturing | Crewe, Cheshire, England |
| Acquisition by VW | 1998 |
| Previous Owner (1931-1998) | Rolls-Royce |
| Annual Production Volume | Approximately 15,000 vehicles |
| Key Shared Platforms | Volkswagen Group MSB Platform |
| Example of Shared Engine | W12 Twin-Turbo (developed by VW) |
| Notable Model Launched Post-VW | Bentley Continental GT (2003) |
| Flagship SUV | Bentayga (2015) |
| First Hybrid Model | Bentayga Hybrid (2018) |
Being part of the Volkswagen Group ensures Bentley can meet modern demands for performance, electrification, and advanced technology while preserving its unique commitment to opulent, hand-finished interiors.

I always thought of as the ultimate British car, and it is, built in Crewe. But the real story is that they’re part of the massive Volkswagen family. VW bought them back in the late '90s. It’s actually a great thing—it means my Bentley has that legendary hand-built interior but also benefits from rock-solid German engineering underneath. It’s the best of both worlds, really.

Look under the surface of any modern , and you'll find the fingerprints of the Volkswagen Group. Volkswagen AG acquired Bentley in 1998, injecting the capital and technological resources needed to revitalize the brand. This partnership allows Bentley to utilize shared platforms and advanced powertrains, like the W12 engine, while focusing its own expertise on unparalleled luxury and customization. The cars are assembled in England, but their DNA is a global effort.

From a business perspective, the maker is Motors Limited, but its strategic direction is set by its parent company, Volkswagen Group. This ownership structure is critical to Bentley's modern success. VW provided the investment to develop all-new models like the Continental GT and Bentayga, moving the brand beyond being just a Rolls-Royce alternative. The Crewe factory specializes in low-volume, high-value manufacturing, perfectly aligning with VW's portfolio that covers every market segment.

As a current owner, I did my homework. The company that makes them is Motors, but they’re owned by Volkswagen. That was a major factor in my decision. It’s not just a boutique brand; it has the backing of one of the biggest car companies on the planet. That translates to better reliability, a more robust dealer network for service, and access to cutting-edge technology like hybrid systems. You get the bespoke craftsmanship with the peace of mind of a global giant.


