Bentley Motors, the British luxury car manufacturer, has announced that it is accelerating its electrification plans with the recruitment of 100 new engineers. The move is part of the company’s commitment to becoming a leader in sustainable luxury mobility.
The new engineers will be based at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, England, and will work on the development of new electric and hybrid powertrains for the company’s range of vehicles. The recruitment drive is part of a wider investment in research and development, which will see Bentley invest £3 billion ($4.1 billion) in electrification and digitalization over the next five years.
Bentley’s move towards electrification is driven by a number of factors, including changing consumer preferences, tightening emissions regulations, and the need to reduce the company’s carbon footprint. The company has already made significant progress in this area, with the launch of its first hybrid model, the Bentayga Hybrid, in 2018.
However, Bentley is not content to rest on its laurels, and is now looking to accelerate its electrification plans. The company has set a target of offering hybrid or electric versions of all its models by 2026, and aims to be fully electric by 2030.
To achieve these goals, Bentley is investing heavily in research and development, and is working with a range of partners to develop new technologies and solutions. The company is also exploring new business models, such as subscription services and shared ownership, to make its vehicles more accessible to a wider range of customers.
Commenting on the recruitment drive, Bentley CEO Adrian Hallmark said: “Electrification is a key part of our strategy, and we are committed to investing in the technology and talent needed to make it a reality. The recruitment of these 100 new engineers is a significant step forward in our electrification journey, and will help us to deliver the sustainable luxury mobility solutions that our customers demand.”
The move towards electrification is not without its challenges, however. The development of new electric and hybrid powertrains requires significant investment in research and development, as well as the development of new manufacturing processes and supply chains. There are also concerns about the availability of raw materials, such as lithium and cobalt, which are essential for the production of batteries.
Despite these challenges, Bentley is confident that it can overcome them and deliver on its electrification goals. The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, combined with its heritage of luxury and performance, make it well placed to lead the way in sustainable luxury mobility. With the recruitment of 100 new engineers, Bentley is taking a significant step towards achieving this vision.
