Bentley Motors has announced plans to reduce its global workforce by about six per cent, as the luxury carmaker navigates declining profits and weakening demand across major markets. The move will impact around 275 roles in the UK, with reductions expected through redundancies and unfilled vacancies.
The company, owned by Volkswagen Group, employs close to 4,600 people, most of them based at its manufacturing facility in Crewe. The decision comes as Bentley looks to streamline operations and safeguard long-term competitiveness in a challenging business environment.
The restructuring follows a sharp drop in earnings. Bentley reported a 42 per cent fall in operating profit to €216 million in 2025. The decline was driven by multiple external pressures, including tariffs, currency volatility, and slower sales in China, a key market for luxury vehicles.
The company pointed to broader global uncertainties affecting high-end carmakers. Demand has softened, particularly in China, while rising costs and geopolitical tensions have added pressure on margins. Despite this, Bentley has maintained profitability for seven consecutive years, indicating some resilience in its business model.
The job cuts also come as Bentley pushes forward with its electrification strategy. It is set to introduce its first fully electric vehicle, an urban SUV, later this year. However, the company has acknowledged that demand for electric vehicles in the luxury segment remains inconsistent. As a result, it has extended its transition timeline and will continue offering hybrid models beyond 2035.
The premium automotive sector is witnessing a shift, with companies attempting to balance cost controls with investments in future technologies. As market conditions remain uncertain, the focus is increasingly on maintaining profitability while preparing for a gradual transition to electric mobility.
