Who Owns Bentley

Bentley Motors stands as one of the world’s most prestigious luxury automobile manufacturers. The British marque has crafted exceptional vehicles since 1919, building a legacy on performance, craftsmanship, and innovation. Today, the question of who owns Bentley reveals an intriguing story of corporate transformation.

Volkswagen AG maintains complete ownership of Bentley Motors Limited, holding 100% of the company since acquiring it in 1998 . This German automotive giant purchased Bentley from Vickers PLC, investing substantially to revitalize the brand. The acquisition proved transformative for both entities.

Since 2022, Bentley operates under Audi’s management within the Volkswagen Group’s Premium Brand Group Progressive . This organizational structure places Bentley alongside Lamborghini and Ducati, sharing technological resources and engineering expertise. The arrangement enables Bentley to access cutting-edge developments while maintaining its distinctive British identity.

Recent years have witnessed Bentley’s aggressive push toward electrification. The manufacturer plans to introduce its first battery-electric vehicle in 2027, marking a significant milestone in its Beyond100+ strategy. Despite challenging market conditions in 2024, the company maintained profitability for six consecutive years, demonstrating financial resilience and strategic vision.

Who Owns Bentley?

Volkswagen AG owns Bentley Motors Limited outright, with no other shareholders or ownership divisions . This complete ownership provides Volkswagen full control over Bentley’s operations, strategy, and product development decisions.

Complete Volkswagen Ownership

The ownership structure is straightforward. Volkswagen acquired Bentley for approximately $790 million in 1998 , outbidding BMW in a complex transaction that also involved Rolls-Royce naming rights. BMW ultimately secured the Rolls-Royce trademark, while Volkswagen obtained Bentley, the Crewe manufacturing facility, and various other assets.

This acquisition represented more than a simple purchase. Volkswagen recognized Bentley’s potential and invested over $2 billion in the brand’s revival, including $845 million to modernize the Crewe factory . The investment transformed Bentley’s capabilities, enabling the development of models like the Continental GT that redefined the brand.

Integration Within Volkswagen Group

Bentley’s position within the Volkswagen empire provides significant advantages. The brand shares platforms, technologies, and engineering resources with sister companies including Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini. This collaboration accelerates development cycles and reduces costs while preserving Bentley’s unique character.

The current organizational structure reflects Volkswagen Group’s strategic approach to managing its luxury brands. Audi oversees Bentley’s day-to-day management, providing expertise in premium vehicle development and electrification technologies.

Largest Shareholders of Bentley

Understanding Bentley’s shareholder structure requires examining its parent company. Since Bentley operates as a wholly owned subsidiary, it has no independent shareholders. Instead, ownership flows through Volkswagen AG’s shareholder base.

Volkswagen AG Ownership Structure

Volkswagen AG itself is publicly traded, with shares distributed among various institutional and individual investors. The Porsche and Piëch families maintain significant influence through Porsche Automobil Holding SE, which controls a substantial stake in Volkswagen AG.

This complex ownership arrangement means Bentley’s ultimate shareholders are effectively Volkswagen’s shareholders. The Porsche-Piëch families, through their holding company, exercise considerable control over Volkswagen’s strategic direction, including decisions affecting Bentley.

No Independent Share Structure

Unlike publicly traded companies, Bentley doesn’t issue its own shares. The company operates as a limited liability entity under British law, with Volkswagen AG as the sole proprietor. This structure simplifies governance but ties Bentley’s fortunes directly to Volkswagen’s overall performance.

The arrangement provides stability and access to substantial financial resources. When Bentley requires investment for new model development or factory upgrades, it can tap into Volkswagen Group’s deep pockets rather than seeking external funding.

Financial Performance and Value

Bentley reported revenue of €2.65 billion in 2024, down from €2.94 billion in 2023 . Despite the decline, the company achieved its sixth consecutive profitable year. Operating profit reached €373 million, representing the fourth-best result in the company’s 105-year history .

The brand’s strategy emphasizes value over volume. Average revenue per vehicle increased by 10% compared to 2023 , driven by wealthy customers investing heavily in bespoke customization options. This approach maintains exclusivity while maximizing profitability.

Bentley’s contribution to Volkswagen Group’s portfolio extends beyond financial returns. The brand enhances the group’s prestige and demonstrates its capability in ultra-luxury segments, complementing mass-market offerings from the main Volkswagen brand.

History of Bentley Co-founders

Bentley’s foundation story centers on one man’s vision for automotive excellence. The company’s origins reveal the passion and determination that still define the brand today.

W.O. Bentley: The Visionary Founder

Walter Owen Bentley established Bentley Motors on January 18, 1919, in London . His ambition was simple yet bold: build a fast car, a good car, the best in its class. Before founding the company, W.O. Bentley gained valuable experience designing aircraft engines during World War I.

This engineering background proved instrumental in creating the company’s first automobile. The iconic Bentley 3 Litre was introduced in 1921 , marking the beginning of the brand’s commitment to performance and luxury. The model achieved immediate success in motorsport, establishing Bentley’s racing pedigree.

H.M. Bentley and Early Investors

W.O. Bentley didn’t build his empire alone. His brother, Horace Millner Bentley (H.M.), played a crucial role in the company’s early years. Together, they had previously sold French DFP cars in Cricklewood, North London, before W.O. decided to design his own vehicles.

Financial backing came from Woolf Barnato, a renowned British motorsport enthusiast and heir to a mining fortune. Barnato’s investment provided the capital necessary to establish proper manufacturing facilities and develop new models. His involvement extended beyond financial support – he became one of the legendary “Bentley Boys,” racing the company’s cars to victory at Le Mans.

Racing Heritage and Financial Challenges

The 1920s represented Bentley’s golden age of motorsport. The company won the 24 Hours of Le Mans five times between 1924 and 1930, cementing its reputation for building fast, reliable sports cars. These victories brought prestige but didn’t guarantee financial stability.

The 1929 Wall Street crash brought severe financial difficulties, leading to Rolls-Royce acquiring Bentley in 1931 . W.O. Bentley reluctantly joined Rolls-Royce as a designer but left in 1935, unhappy with his diminished role at the company he founded. He later joined Lagonda, another British luxury manufacturer.

Who is on the Board of Directors for Bentley?

Bentley’s executive leadership combines automotive expertise with strategic vision. The board guides the company through its transformation toward electric mobility while maintaining its luxury heritage.

Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser: Chairman and CEO

Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser became Chairman and CEO in 2024, replacing Adrian Hallmark who departed for Aston Martin . Walliser brings extensive experience from Porsche, where he spent most of three decades. His engineering background and leadership credentials make him ideally suited for guiding Bentley’s electrification strategy.

Among his greatest achievements was serving as overall project leader on the Porsche 918 Spyder , one of the “holy trinity” of electrified hypercars. He later managed Porsche’s 911 and 718 product lines before becoming Chief Technology Officer for the entire Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand.

Axel Dewitz: Board Member for Finance and IT

Axel Dewitz joined Bentley’s board on April 1, 2025, as Board Member for Finance and IT . He succeeded Jan-Henrik Lafrentz, who moved to another position within the Volkswagen Group after 10 years with Bentley. Dewitz extends a 22-year career with the Volkswagen Group, holding senior positions primarily at Audi AG.

His previous role was Executive Vice President, Head of Corporate Finance and Mergers and Acquisitions at Audi AG . Dewitz also played an instrumental role in Porsche AG’s IPO, bringing valuable financial expertise to Bentley during its transformation phase.

Dr. Karen Lange: Board Member for People and Culture

Dr. Karen Lange joined Bentley in 2021 as Member of the Board for Human Resources, now titled People and Culture . She came from Northvolt Zwei GmbH & Co. KG, a Volkswagen joint venture focused on battery production. Her extensive experience within the Volkswagen Group spans over two decades.

Lange emphasizes creating an inclusive working environment where people thrive and reach their full potential. Under her leadership, Bentley has undertaken significant upskilling initiatives, with 30,000 learning activities conducted to prepare employees for the company’s electric future.

Dr. Matthias Rabe: Board Member for Research and Development

Dr. Matthias Rabe joined Bentley in August 2020 as Board Member for Engineering, now Research and Development . He came from Volkswagen Passenger Cars, where he served as Chief Technology Officer. Rabe studied mechanical engineering at RWTH Aachen University before joining the Volkswagen Group in 1988.

His career includes heading the Research and Development division at SEAT from 2011 , where he served as an executive board member. His technical expertise proves invaluable as Bentley develops new electrified powertrains and prepares for full battery-electric vehicle production.

Christophe Georges: Board Member for Sales and Marketing

Christophe Georges oversees Bentley’s global sales and marketing operations. His responsibilities include maintaining the brand’s exclusive positioning while expanding into new markets. The board member focuses on balancing growth ambitions with the need to preserve Bentley’s prestigious image and limited production volumes.

This leadership team works collaboratively to navigate challenging market conditions while investing heavily in Bentley’s future. Their combined expertise spans engineering, finance, human resources, and marketing – essential capabilities for managing a luxury automotive brand through industry-wide transformation.

FAQs

Does BMW own any part of Bentley?

No, BMW doesn’t own any part of Bentley. While BMW outbid for Rolls-Royce naming rights in 1998, Volkswagen AG owns 100% of Bentley Motors Limited with no BMW involvement.

Where are Bentley cars manufactured today?

Bentley cars are manufactured at the company’s historic facility in Crewe, England. The site employs approximately 4,000 people and handles final assembly with traditional British craftsmanship and modern technology.

Is Bentley more expensive than Rolls-Royce?

Rolls-Royce vehicles typically command higher prices than comparable Bentley models. However, both brands operate in the ultra-luxury segment, with heavily customized Bentleys potentially reaching Rolls-Royce price levels through bespoke options.

When will Bentley release its first electric car?

Bentley plans to introduce its first battery-electric vehicle in 2027. The company will then launch one new electric or hybrid model annually until achieving a fully electric lineup by 2035.

What is Bentley’s relationship with Audi?

Audi manages Bentley within Volkswagen Group’s Premium Brand Group Progressive since 2022. Both brands share technologies, platforms, and resources while maintaining distinct identities. This partnership enhances development efficiency and technological advancement for both manufacturers.