A major British car manufacturer, Bentley Motors, has signaled its commitment to an all-electric future with the commencement of its new Integrated Logistics Centre. The project, which broke ground this week, supports the UK government’s net-zero targets.
The new 11,620 sqm center is designed to facilitate the production of both large and small components for electric vehicles. Once fully operational, the facility will increase the site’s storage capacity by 35%, reducing the company’s reliance on external warehousing and transportation.
Andreas Lehe, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Manufacturing, commented on the project’s significance: “Breaking ground on the Integrated Logistics Centre marks a key milestone in Bentley’s journey to full electrification. The centre will transform our logistics operations by enhancing efficiency, managing customer variety, and integrating cutting-edge automation. This investment ensures that Bentley can offer an all-electric portfolio while maintaining the highest standards of quality and sustainability.”
The logistics center is slated to be fully operational by next year and will play a critical role in Bentley’s plan to become an all-electric brand by 2035. This target was adjusted from a previous timeframe to allow for increased market interest in electric vehicles.
Bentley previously announced a five-year extension to its electric car targets. The company’s first fully electric car, the Luxury Urban SUV, is scheduled to be revealed in 2026. This model, being developed at the company’s headquarters in Crewe, will be the first in a series of hybrid and electric models planned for annual launches over the next decade.
Bentley has seen growth in the luxury hybrid car sector and anticipates increased sales of PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) models beyond 2030, continuing toward its 2035 goal. Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, stated: “Four years almost to the day that Bentley initially outlined its Beyond100 strategy, we adapt to today’s economic, market and legislative environment to initiate a major transformative phase for tomorrow…Beyond100+ becomes our guiding light as we extend our ambitions beyond 2030, while maintaining our aim of a decarbonised future, including offering only fully electric cars from 2035, and reinforcing our credentials as the British creator of extraordinary cars for over a century and beyond.”
This push towards electric vehicles aligns with the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, which requires manufacturers to ensure that at least 28% of new car sales are from zero-emission vehicles, increasing to 100% by 2035.
Last year, Bentley sold 740 vehicles, marking a 36% decrease compared to the same period in 2023, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Bentley officials added, “The facility has been designed with efficiency and flexibility in mind, to ensure seamless logistics operations, with a direct connectivity to production operations. Inside, a three-storey mezzanine will house: a visitor room, canteen, offices, training rooms, plant equipment and a viewing platform for operational oversight.”
