Bentley to cut jobs as profits fall, EV investment continues

Bentley plans to cut about 275 jobs in the UK as it navigates weaker demand and higher trade costs, while continuing heavy investment in electric models and its Crewe site.

The luxury carmaker reported an operating profit of £186 million in 2025, and said customer deliveries fell 5% amid a challenging global market, particularly in China, and pressure from US tariffs.

Bentley to reduce headcount as it refocuses operations

The company said approximately 275 positions are at risk as part of broader efficiency measures, affecting management, agency and non-manufacturing employees in Crewe.

According to the Guardian, the reduction equates to about 6% of Bentley’s 4,600-strong workforce and includes cutting about 150 office-based permanent roles, alongside not filling vacant positions or replacing some employees.

“At the same time, we are making some difficult decisions to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the business, including an organisational adjustment potentially impacting approximately 275 positions,” said CEO and chairman Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, adding that Bentley would support affected staff “with care, guidance and assistance.”

Financial results and market pressures

Bentley posted an operating profit of £186 million and revenue of £2.25 billion in 2025, according to the BBC.

The Guardian reported that operating profit fell 42% year on year, citing the impact of US tariffs introduced by Donald Trump, foreign exchange movements, weaker sales in China and decisions by parent company Volkswagen.

Customer deliveries declined 5%, although increased demand for bespoke personalisation partly offset lower volumes, the company said.

Axel Dewitz, board member for finance and IT, said the results showed “strong underlying financial performance” despite external pressures, underscoring the need to keep investing in Bentley’s future product portfolio and site transformation.

Electrification plans, site investment and model mix

Bentley is preparing to unveil its first all-electric model as an electric “urban SUV” due later this year.

The firm previously announced a £2.5 billion investment in 2022 to move toward electrification at Crewe, with several electric models planned by 2030.

In late 2024, Bentley pushed back its plan to stop selling fossil-fuel cars to 2035 and said it would continue selling plug-in hybrids beyond that date.

Investment at the Pyms Lane site is ongoing, including a Design Centre opened in 2024, near-completion of the A1 building for battery-electric vehicle production, and a new Paint Shop scheduled to open later this year, the company said.

The Bentayga SUV remains Bentley’s bestselling model, with a starting price of £176,000.

Industry context and outlook

Bentley’s moves echo broader shifts among high-end manufacturers facing softer demand for battery-only models.

Porsche has scaled back EV ambitions and announced job cuts, while Lamborghini has abandoned plans for all-electric cars to focus on plug-in hybrids, according to the Guardian.

Aston Martin Lagonda said in February it would cut 20% of its workforce to save £40 million as it battles widening losses.

Walliser said the job cuts and site investments aim to keep Bentley “financially resilient, strategically focused and well positioned for the next generation of luxury vehicles.”

Bottom line

Bentley is trimming about 275 roles to protect competitiveness as profits come under pressure, while continuing to pour money into its Crewe facilities and the shift to electric models.

The company’s challenge is to manage near-term demand and trade headwinds while convincing wealthy buyers to embrace its upcoming battery-powered lineup.