The manufacturing industry is going through something of an uncertain time at present, with monthly figures fluctuating rapidly between growth and contraction. However, one constant within the sector seems to be car manufacturing, as the level of investment in the UK by internationally renowned firms continues to climb at an astonishing rate.
David Cameron has welcomed Bentley’s investment
This week, Bentley announced plans to create an entirely new model of luxury car – the first sports utility vehicle to appear in the brand’s extensive range. This puts the British icon in direct competition with brands such as Range Rover and Porsche, which could prove to be a challenge given the worldwide demand for affordable luxury at the present time.
In conjunction with the announcement, Bentley also revealed plans for an £800 million investment into the British leg of its manufacturing division. The money will be used to carry out refurbishment and extension works at the firm’s headquarters in Crewe to allow for the mass production of the new model.
Although Bentley owner Volkswagen was said to be considering making its existing plant in Bratislava, Slovakia, the base from which the SUV model was created, the British government lobbied the group to base production in the UK. As a result, up to 1,000 jobs will be created in the next several months as production works begin in earnest.
Prime Minister David Cameron attended the press conference at which Bentley’s future plans were outlined. Afterwards, he spoke of the opportunities offered by the investment.
He said; “I am delighted that Bentley will be building their new vehicle here, not only creating a thousand jobs, but safeguarding many more, as well as increasing training opportunities for highly skilled apprentices.”
Bentley is just the latest well-known manufacturer to up its commercial property footprint in the UK, following other international success stories such as Jaguar Land Rover, Honda and Vauxhall in taking the plunge with a multi-million pound investment. The news is likely to have a positive effect upon both manufacturing figures and export statistics, helping the UK cement its status as one of the largest goods exporters in Europe.
Volkswagen chairman Martin Winterkorn expressed his confidence in the UK as the best home for Bentley’s latest model.
He said; “The Volkswagen Group believes in the UK as a competitive location for industrial production.
“Together we will make this new Bentley another true Bentley – powerful, exclusive and successful.”
With demand for luxury utility vehicles especially high in emerging markets such as China and India, it is hoped that the next generation Bentley will appeal to consumers internationally and thus increase the profile of British manufacturing yet further. By the time the new Bentley is released in 2016, there is a high chance that the UK will have become the leading light in the worldwide automotive industry.
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