CloseBentley done in two years? VW isn't happy with Bentley right now, it seems they only get another two years at max to get out of the red numbers, otherwise Bentley could be "done" (whatever this means).
RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Audi R8 V10 Plus (2016), Mercedes E63 S AMG Edition 1 (2018), Range Rover Evoque Si4 Black Edition (2019)
Jan 5, 2019 10:14:58 AM
ISUK:Autocar had an article a couple of weeks ago that said there were rumours that the Bentayga has been a flop with lots of unsold cars in the dealer network.
Okay, in case of the Bentgaya I'm not surprised. 
We're at the point where you can be the fastest or just sound like you're the fastest.
The secret of life is to admire without desiring.
Jan 5, 2019 10:39:03 AM
I had a quick look on Autotrader and there are 98 Bentaygas for sale there. It doesn't sound a lot but with most new examples going out of the showroom on finance I would think most people in the market will opt to go for a new one to their own spec as used ones on finance won't offer an attractive enough monthly saving. That is the problem facing all the luxury btrands now - over supply and a corresponding over dependence on finding buyers who will finance the cars. The used market is awash with luxury and exotics now and most buyers are only content with having new cars. The whole merry go round has been fuelled by the rapid growth in sales in China but the music has stopped there with a fall in the new car market of some 20% in 2018. That is going to devastate some brands.
Bentley have not helped themselves by going over board on supplying dubiously personalised cars. That might be great for a short term injection of cash to the bottom line through massive mark up on paint colours, trim, wheels etc but longer term it simply reduces the cachet of the brand by leaving the wider market with the perception that a once reserved brand that epitomised style and good taste has become a symbol of vulgar consumption and extremely bad taste. That perception then results in potential buyers looking elsewhere as they do not want to be associated with the wrong image. Manaufacturers have ignored this at their peril and some brands are simply not strong enough to weather it.
Shame, lovely cars and the craftsmanship that goes into the interior is truly amazing. They always have a stand at Festival of Speed with craftsmen there demonstrating the leather work and wood working skills, such as the boxwood inlays. Always thought Bentley had kept more of the traditional “landed gentry” image with RR going more into high tech.
i must try and book up one of the factory tours that are available to the “lower orders” such as my humble self, unfortunately Rolls Royce, quite close to me at Goodwood don’t seem to offer tours unless you are fortunate enough to be able to order a new car! (Although on the RR stand at Festival of Speed it was suggested a factory tour can be arranged for the consideration of £1,500)!! 
Around £40 for the Bentley tour...
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Porsche Boxster 981 GTS Carrara white / VW Golf GTI 5dr DSG Tornado Red
In some ways Bentley seems trapped by the pricing and model staircase of VW groups system of shared platform strategy. Which Cayenne, Bentayga/Urus/Audi/VW Lego car do you want?
And sell them off to who? Tata? Geely?
Their new Coupe seems like a outstanding effort by all reports.
The new coupe is really the best car Bentley had every built in their entire history.
Bentley desperately needed new sedan replacement that's for sure. The old platform simply doesn't cut it. The new Panamera platform will be an excellent base.
The Bentayga, well, it's butt ugly. One of the worse looking car there is, almost up there with the Aztec.
Having said that, it's a sales success in select markets, it's like the most expensive SUV, was. The new Rolls Royce cost more. But also bigger and more luxurious. The price tag makes it a status symbol for some. until someone else rolls up in a Rolls.
The mistake was VAG trying to chase volume with the Bentley name. Doesn't work. It sort fo did for a while, until Diesel gate.
VAG would do well to reposition Bentley as the modern day coach builder. Take a 'common' corporate platform and add custom coach flair. Bespoke stuff. The new coupe is one of those. It was just a Panamera platform but they made it beautiful and attractive and perform well. A real winner.
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