who owns bentley motor cars

[Morgan]

Bentley Motor Cars is owned by the Volkswagen Group (VW AG), a German automotive giant that acquired the company in 1998. This ownership is the definitive answer and has shaped Bentley's modern era, providing the financial backing and shared technological resources from brands like Audi and Porsche that were crucial for its survival and current success.

The acquisition was a pivotal moment. Before Volkswagen, Bentley was under the ownership of Vickers plc, a British engineering conglomerate, which struggled to invest sufficiently in new models. Volkswagen's takeover was part of a complex battle with BMW, which ultimately acquired the Rolls-Royce brand name but not the Bentley factory or production capabilities.

Under Volkswagen, Bentley has been transformed. The company invested heavily in the Crewe, England headquarters, modernizing the facility while preserving traditional craftsmanship. The sharing of platforms and engines, particularly the VW Group's MSB platform and W12 engine architecture, has been instrumental in developing contemporary classics like the Continental GT and Flying Spur without compromising their unique Bentley character.

Here is a brief overview of Bentley's ownership history:

Period	Owner	Key Context
1919-1931	Bentley Motors Limited (Founder)	Company founded by W.O. Bentley; known for racing success.
1931-1970	Rolls-Royce Limited	Acquired after financial difficulties; began "badge-engineered" era.
1970-1980	Rolls-Royce Motors (Separated)	Formed after Rolls-Royce Ltd. (acro-engine) was nationalized.
1980-1998	Vickers plc	A British engineering firm that owned Rolls-Royce Motors.
1998-Present	Volkswagen Group	Won a bidding war for the factory and Bentley brand name.

Today, Bentley operates as a distinct luxury marque within the Volkswagen Group's portfolio, benefiting from economies of scale while maintaining its bespoke, high-end British identity. This stable ownership is a key reason for the brand's strong current position in the ultra-luxury automotive market.

[LaJade]

As a long-time car enthusiast, I see it simply: Bentley is part of the Volkswagen family. It's like how Audi and Porsche are all under the same roof. That German ownership is actually a good thing—it gives Bentley access to incredible technology and engineering, which they then wrap in that classic British leather and wood. You get modern performance with old-world luxury.