Bentley Adds Jobs to Crewe Facility in Preparation for SUV Launch

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To make way for Bentley's first SUV model, the automaker is expanding its Crewe headquarters in England. The expansion will add a new R&D wing and more jobs, contributing to the tally of 950 new positions Bentley says it's added over the past 18 months.

The automaker is spending $62.7 million and adding 300 jobs for a new research and development center. Along with new R&D offices, the center also brings together a styling studio and technical workshop. All in all, the new facilities will house 1300 Bentley engineers.

In a recent release, Bentley says the project is another step in preparing for the rollout of "the world's first ultra-lux SUV." We have known for quite some time that the SUV will go on sale in 2016, which should be around the same time the Maserati Levante hits the market. Bentley employees are expected to start prepping for the new facilities early next year.

We have seen prototypes of the Bentley SUV out testing this year. Here's what we know: The new model will share a platform with the new Audi Q7, Volkswagen Touareg, and Porsche Cayenne. Top speed should hit at least 200 mph. And if the Bentley EXP 9 F SUV concept is any indication, look for sharp character lines, massive wheels, and a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 with at least 600 hp.

Even before its new SUV debuts, Bentley has seen an increase in sales. This year, it expects to exceed its previous record of 10,120 deliveries made in 2013.

Source: Bentley

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