Before touring the factory, we were given some information about the history of the brand and shown the final products of some of the brand associations they have done. Next, we visited a museum-like section in the factory where we got to see some of the most iconic cars built by Bentley in the early part of the last century. One of the highlights here was the 1919 EXP 2, which is the oldest Bentley in the world and was the second car built by WO Bentley. Interestingly, the first car worked, but the second car did.
After diving into Bentley’s history, we headed to the factory, where we saw the first Wood Storage. This is where wood imported from different parts of the world is stored for use in panels inside the cars. Interestingly, all the wood is sourced in a sustainable manner. This means that some rare varieties of wood can only be sourced in a span of years and is available in very limited quantities. Such things allow for a high level of customisation by customers, ensuring that no other car can be exactly the same. We were also shown how the wooden strips are processed and then cut into pieces suitable for use in panels. The entire process required a mix of modern machines and manual skills from the operator, highlighting the high levels of craftsmanship,
Next, we saw something amazing in the form of a part that only comes from India. Bentley recently introduced the option Stone on the interior panels instead of wood or other materials and this stone is imported from India. The stone pieces are brought from various parts of India and processed using a complex process, resulting in wafer-thin peels that can be as thin as 0.1 mm. We were told that these new stone-coated panels are quite popular among buyers as they offer a great deal of exclusivity.
From there, we headed to the section where people work on the leather and interiors. The highest quality bull hides are imported from different parts of the world and up to 14 hides can be used in one Bentayga car! The hides go through a rigorous checking process where even the parts with the slightest defects are removed and only the best parts are approved for use. What makes this process more of a craft than an industrial activity is the fact that it is done manually by experts who rely on their eyesight and knowledge to check the hides.
During the trip, we also got to see how much hard work goes into making each of the Bentley seats, which proves the high level of craftsmanship that goes into all the cars. A certain cross stitch pattern is so intricate that machines cannot make it and it is done manually. For example, the Bentayga seats require 24 hours of manual stitching using over 130 meters of thread! So much hard work goes into each car and it is not just for the car but just for the seats.
During the visit, Bentley officials claimed that their cars feature handmade parts and the highest level of craftsmanship, and after seeing the factory, that was proven. When you add a nearly endless list of options to the mix, you get an astonishing level of complexity and handmade car, each specimen of which is going to be unique.
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That said, we must also highlight some of the modern and customised machinery used at the plant, which offer a perfect blend of craftsmanship with the precision of technology, resulting in a car that is hard to match in terms of experience and luxury.
It would have been even better to talk about the body and powertrain assembly and driving parts, but we didn’t get a chance to visit those facilities or drive the cars, but hopefully next time!
Indian market prospects
During this trip, we spoke to senior Bentley officials and learnt that India is an extremely important market for them. Last year, the brand sold around 80 cars in India, which is a huge number considering the price and limited availability of ultra-luxury cars. Going forward, the brand is looking at national integration with Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL), moving away from its current model of working with importer Exclusive Motors. While the current dealerships will continue, the brand will look for new partners, allowing them to expand into new markets in India. Also, this shift is aimed at leveraging synergies within the group, especially in terms of servicing, parts availability, warehousing and homologation.
The popularity of the brand in India can be gauged from the fact that two of the three models in the last auction of Bentleys with W12 engines were bought by an Indian customer, each priced at 1 million GBP (approximately Rs 10 crore excluding customs duty and local taxes). In addition, five special edition cars recently commissioned by Exclusive Motors for India have already found owners. These include a Continental GT Speed, a Flying Spur Speed and three Bentayga EWB Azure models, all finished in Scarab Green colour and with interiors paying tribute to the Indian tricolour.
