The UK automotive industry has seen over £1 billion in investment announcements in the past seven days, with Bentley completing a £350 million investment in its Crewe plant. This investment is for the production of its first fully electric vehicle, the Torcal.
This figure includes a £500 million investment from McLaren and £170 million from Nissan, both announced last week. The Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, welcomed these announcements, stating they demonstrate confidence in Britain's manufacturing sector.
Bentley's new electric model is designed, engineered, and built in Britain and is anticipated to support around 4,000 existing jobs in Crewe. Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, described the Torcal as a statement of confidence in Britain's design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities.
The government is also consulting businesses on the pathway towards the 2030 phaseout of new petrol and diesel cars, aiming to align EV transition targets with industry and consumer needs.