Bentley invests £2.5 billion to build Crewe 'Dream Factory' for 2025 EV
Bentley pledges £2.5 billion investment to become a pure-electric brand and end-to-end carbon neutral by 2030
Bentley has revealed plans to invest £2.5 billion into the manufacturing of electric vehicles and a target of net-carbon neutrality by 2030. The investment will be used to renovate the Crewe production facility and produce its future electric models, the first of which is due in 2025.
Bentley currently employs 4,000 people at its Crewe plant, which will be developed into a 'Dream Factory' thanks to the investment. Certain processes will be digitised, more personalisation options will be offered to customers and sustainability on the shop floor and within the cars will be improved. The site is already carbon neutral, but now aims for net-zero environmental impact by 2030.
Bentley manufacturing boss Peter Bosch said: “We are already marking the pinnacle in luxury car production and have already transformed our factory to become carbon neutral, with industry-leading environmental credentials. With our new ‘Dream Factory’ concept, we now go to zero also with water, waste and other environmental impacts until 2030. Unique craftsmanship, customer interaction and employee experience will be enhanced by digital tech, higher flexibility and new ways of personalisation. ”
The overhauled facility will be used to produce Bentley's future electric cars, with its first-ever EV set to arrive in 2025. The brand will become exclusively electric by 2030, and has already taken its first steps with hybrid versions of the Bentayga and Flying Spur. An electrified version of the flagship Continental GT is also in the works.
As part of its Beyond100 plans, Bentley aims to become end-to-end carbon neutral in eight years time, meaning that the process of building its cars will emit net-zero carbon emissions - thanks to the sustainable manufacturing plant.
“Beyond100 is the boldest plan in Bentley’s illustrious history, and in the luxury segment”, said Bentley CEO Arian Hallmark. “It’s an ambitious and credible roadmap to carbon neutrality of our total business system, including the shift to 100 per cent BEV in just eight years.”
Check out the our review of the new hybrid Bentley Flying Spur here...
