Bentley plans to cut 275 jobs amid weak global sales, US tariffs, and transition to electric vehicles, says CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser

Bentley has announced plans to cut 275 jobs, representing roughly six percent of its workforce, as it faces challenging market conditions and a shift towards electric vehicles.

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The job reductions include 150 office-based roles, with the remainder accounted for by closed vacancies, expiring contracts, and natural attrition.

The company, owned by Germany’s Volkswagen, reported a sharp fall in operating profit and a dip in revenue last year.

“We are making some difficult decisions to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the business,” CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser said, citing weak sales in China, US tariffs, and a one-off accounting impact.

Bentley had previously delayed its target of producing only electric vehicles from 2030 to 2035.

The historic Crewe site, employing over 4,000 people, handles all design, R&D, and production activities.

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Volkswagen recently announced plans to cut 50,000 jobs in Germany by 2030, also due to stiff competition in the EV sector and high operational costs.