Kia reveals the UK’s parking woes and the city that ranks worst for finding a space

2026-03-28T21:50:32+00:00

A third of drivers feel anxious, worried or scared about parking and regularly drive past spaces because they’re too difficult, according to research by Kia UK¹.

Two new bespoke specifications bring Boodles’ sparkle

2026-03-24T18:42:39+00:00

Two iconic British brands with exceptional northern heritage, Boodles and Bentley, have come together for the second time to create an exquisite design specification, available across all Bentley models.

Polestar receives AUTOBEST ‘SMARTBEST 2026’ award for Google Maps’ live lane guidance integration in Polestar 4

2026-03-21T18:02:49+00:00

Polestar’s strategy to continuously upgrade its cars with new software-driven features as they become available has once again been internationally recognised.

Bentley marks seventh consecutive year of profitability while continuing site transformation

2026-03-17T18:10:42+00:00

Bentley Motors today reports a seventh consecutive year of profitability, demonstrating resilient underlying performance amid a challenging global market environment, while continuing to self-fund significant capital investment at its historic Pyms Lane site in preparation for electrification.

While headline financial results were impacted by a number of external and non-recurring factors, Bentley’s core performance remained robust. Customer deliveries declined by five per cent during the year, driven largely by continued market contraction, particularly in China. This was partially offset by increased demand for higher-margin derivatives and a continued shift towards bespoke personalisation, resulting in a revenue decrease of just one per cent.

The Bentayga continues to be Bentley’s best-selling model, with the Bentayga Speed entering key markets at the end of 2025, further reinforcing the SUV’s popularity. Improved pricing, a favourable model mix and sustained growth in Mulliner content helped mitigate the impact of lower volumes and supported a revenue of €2.6 billion across the portfolio. Deliveries of Mulliner derivatives increased year-on-year, reinforcing Bentley’s strategy of prioritising value over volume in the upper luxury segment.

Reported operating profit amounted to €216 million, resulting in an operating return on sales of 8.3 per cent. This outcome was significantly affected by expenses related to the decision of the Volkswagen Group to discontinue a D-segment platform, as well additional pressure from U.S. tariff impacts and detrimental F/X impacts.

Bentley’s financial performance continues to support the company’s industry-leading Beyond100+ strategy, as it progresses towards self-funding its ambitious site infrastructure and future product cadence investments. 2025 represented a year of continued transition for Bentley’s product portfolio following the introduction of the fourth-generation high-performance Continental GT and high-performance Flying Spur, both featuring the brand’s new V8 hybrid powertrain. Demand remained strongest for Speed and Mulliner derivatives, reinforcing average revenue per vehicle and supporting profitability.

The Bentayga Speed continues to perform strongly across global markets, contributing significantly to the overall revenue of the Bentayga product line. Meanwhile, the recent New York debut of the Supersports reaffirmed Bentley’s ambition to expand its portfolio with more extreme, performance-driven variants. Customer response has been exceptional, with the model fully allocated and preparations now underway for first deliveries later this year.

As part of its ongoing focus on long-term competitiveness and operational efficiency, Bentley will implement a colleague consultation programme affecting management, agency and non-manufacturing employees. The programme reflects organisational adjustments and the overall efficiency activities could result in 275 positions being removed from the organisational structure, as the business prepares for its next phase of electrification and future product launches. Bentley is committed to managing the process responsibly and supporting affected colleagues throughout.

Commenting on the results, Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Chairman and CEO, said: “2025 was a pivotal year for Bentley as we continue our preparation of the next generation of Bentleys including our upcoming all-electric model.

“Our high-performance Continental GT and Flying Spur have set new benchmarks for desirability, while the Bentayga remains our best-selling model with the new Speed derivative entering key markets. The all-new Bentley Supersports opened a new chapter for Bentley and underlines our sportiness and driver orientation. We are investing at unprecedented levels in the Pyms Lane site, including the Design Centre, opened in July last year, the near completion of the A1 building for BEV production, and the upcoming opening of the new Paint Shop later this year.

“At the same time, we are making some difficult decisions to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the business, including an organisational adjustment potentially impacting approximately 275 positions. I want to express my sincere appreciation to those affected - we are committed to supporting each individual with care, guidance and assistance throughout this transition. These actions, alongside our investments and Beyond100+ strategy, ensure Bentley remains financially resilient, strategically focused and well-positioned for the next generation of luxury vehicles.”

Axel Dewitz, Board Member for Finance and IT, added: “Bentley has delivered a seventh consecutive year of profitability, demonstrating strong underlying financial performance despite a challenging macro environment.

“While reported results reflect a non-recurring accounting impact and external trade effects, the underlying business remains resilient. Revenue quality is supported by disciplined pricing and a rich model mix, with Mulliner bespoke demand continuing to grow. These results give us confidence that Bentley’s financial foundation is solid, whilst highlighting the need to continue to invest in our future product portfolio and site transformation.”

Confirming Bentley’s long-term commitment to UK manufacturing, work continues on the transformation of the carbon-neutral Pyms Lane factory and the infrastructure required for BEV production. Progress remains ongoing on the conversion of the site’s oldest building, A1, which will become the future BEV assembly line. The Design Centre, opened in July 2025, consolidates Bentley’s design and innovation capabilities on-site.

These investments build on the recent opening of the Excellence Centre for Quality & Launch. The new Paint Shop will open later this year, offering customers close to 100 individual paint colours and further enhancing Bentley’s personalisation capabilities, while at the same time minimising its impact on the environment. Together, these developments reinforce Bentley’s commitment to the Beyond100+ strategy and to securing high-value luxury manufacturing in Crewe for generations to come.

Start of the 2026 NLS season: Numerous teams rely on BILSTEIN technology in the Green Hell

2026-03-14T22:20:35+00:00

A total of 132 registered vehicles will take part in the first race of the 50th season.

smart and Jessie J team up for brand campaign ‘Change of Perspectives’

2026-03-12T21:21:53+00:00

smart, the premium electric car brand, today announced a global partnership with multi-platinum UK singer-songwriter Jessie J, who joins as a “friend of the brand”.