| Bentley is a British luxury automobile founded in | | | | Royce on both the domestic and international |
| 1919. The company founded by Mr Bentley had | | | | market. |
| inauspicious beginnings. During the great depression | | | | In 1998, Bentley motors was purchased by |
| of the early 1920s, the company received funding | | | | Volkswagen but by 2002 the rights had been |
| from Woolf Barnato but survival as difficult and | | | | transferred to BMW. BMW has previously supplied |
| the company was sold to Rolls Royce in 1931. | | | | components for the V8 and V 12 in the late |
| Soon a group of rich British business man known | | | | 1900s |
| as the Bentley Boys revived the car with a | | | | In 2002, Bentley introduced the continental GT |
| complete new design. | | | | with a powerful W 12 engine. This was followed |
| The initial Bentleys became more famous on the | | | | by the Azure. Demand for both these cars were |
| racing circuit and were also owned by the royalty. | | | | solid for most of 2000. In late 2000, Bentley |
| The initial Bentleys started off with a 3 liter engine | | | | replaced the Arnage. In 2008, there were rumors |
| and went up to 8 liters over the decades. | | | | that an SUV style Bentley would be on production |
| However, during the 2nd world war, the car was | | | | but the economic downturn has placed the ideas |
| again redesigned for efficiency. After the war, | | | | back on the shelf. Another focal point for the |
| Bentley took on a sedan look and was often | | | | future is to make hybrid cars. However, with a |
| compared to Rolls Royce. However, the 70s and | | | | global shutdown, the Bentley is facing severe |
| 80s were poor years for the car. | | | | crises in sales. Like all car companies, the survival |
| In the later part of the 80s, the car once again | | | | of Bentley will depend on how long the recession |
| regained its sporting image as typified by the | | | | lasts. |
| Mulsanne, and this time competed well with Rolls | | | | |