Bentley is progressing EV plans at Crewe while confirming job cuts, as profits remain under pressure despite strong underlying performance.
The luxury carmaker posted an operating profit of €216 million (£185 million) on revenue of €2.6 billion (£2.23 billion), with performance supported by “disciplined pricing, higher specification models and continued growth in Mulliner bespoke demand”.
Customer deliveries fell by 5%, reflecting weaker global demand, particularly in China.
However, revenue declined by just 1% as Bentley prioritised value over volume, with higher margin derivatives and personalisation offsetting lower sales.
As part of its focus on long-term competitiveness, Bentley said it is consulting on organisational changes that could affect up to 275 roles across management, agency and non-manufacturing functions. Separate reports indicate around 150 jobs could be cut at its Crewe plant.
The move has drawn criticism from union representatives. Karen Lewis, GMB organiser, said: “These cuts have come out of the blue and the workforce is stunned.
“Trump’s tariff’s have hit Bentley hard and the company is still feeling the affects of the Covid lockdown.
“GMB will stand side by side with members in Bentley to ensure the minimum redundancies and the maximum pay outs.”
A wider efficiency programme
Bentley said the changes form part of a wider programme to improve efficiency and support future investment in electrification and new product development.
Work is continuing at the Pyms Lane factory in Crewe, where the A1 building is being converted into a dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) assembly line.
The development is part of wider investment in site transformation, including a new Design Centre and a Paint Shop due to open later this year.
Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, chairman and CEO, addressed the potential job losses, saying that the business has had to make “some difficult decsiions to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the business”.
He said: “I want to express my sincere appreciation to those affected – we are committed to supporting each individual with care, guidance and assistance throughout this transition.”
Walliser added that 2025 was a pivotal year for Bentley as it continues to prepare for the next generation of Bentleys including its upcoming all-electric model.
“Our high-performance Continental GT and Flying Spur have set new benchmarks for desirability, while the Bentayga remains our best-selling model with the new Speed derivative entering key markets. The all-new Bentley Supersports opened a new chapter for Bentley and underlines our sportiness and driver orientation.”
Bentley said the transformation of its Crewe operations will support its Beyond100+ strategy, which includes a shift towards a fully electric product line-up.
The luxury brand has always been moving towards an EV line-up, but delayed its decision by five years to 2035.