Bentley's profits drop £178m due to Chinese sales slump

Bentley, a well-known British car brand owned by Germany's Volkswagen Group, is facing significant financial challenges due to declining sales in China. In 2025, the company reported a drop in operating profits by £178 million compared to the previous year. This decline follows a profitable 2024, where it earned €373 million (£314 million), which is less than the €589 million (£492 million) profit from 2023. Despite the decrease in profits, Bentley's CEO, Frank-Steffen Walliser, expressed optimism, stating that 2024 was a transitioning year that set the foundation for future growth. Walliser noted that three of the four car models had been updated, and the company remains committed to becoming an all-electric brand by 2035. Last year, Bentley adjusted its timeline, pushing back its shift to electric vehicles from 2030. The first electric model from Bentley is expected to be revealed in 2026, with plans to launch it to the public in 2027. This new model will be manufactured at a new assembly line in Crewe, which is good news for the UK car market. Additionally, Walliser addressed concerns about potential tariffs on foreign cars in the United States. US President Donald Trump recently suggested implementing tariffs of up to 25% to support American car manufacturers. Walliser warned that these costs could ultimately be passed on to consumers, which might affect sales further. Bentley is currently evaluating how to navigate this situation.