Bentley has announced it will cut 275 jobs in the UK, citing a 'challenging global market environment'. The luxury carmaker, owned by Germany's Volkswagen, is reducing its workforce by about 6% through voluntary redundancies and by not filling vacant positions.
The company reported a 42% fall in annual operating profit to €216m (£187m) in 2025, compared with the previous year. Bentley said profits were hurt by US tariffs introduced by Donald Trump, foreign exchange changes, weaker sales in China, and decisions by its parent company VW.
Frank-Steffen Walliser, Bentley's chief executive, said the company was making 'some difficult decisions to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the business'. He added that the job cuts and investment in its sites would 'ensure Bentley remains financially resilient, strategically focused and well positioned for the next generation of luxury vehicles'.
Bentley delivered 5% fewer cars in 2025 compared with a year earlier, but this was partly offset by higher demand for bespoke personalisation. The Bentayga luxury SUV remains its bestselling model, with a starting price of £176,000.
The carmaker is due to launch its first all-electric model, an 'urban SUV', later this year. However, Walliser has previously said there was 'not a lot of demand' for electric vehicles among its customers, as other luxury brands like Porsche and Lamborghini also scale back EV plans.
