Factory transformation
Bentley Motors names Capgemini as digital transformation lead
The Crewe-based luxury carmaker has brought in Capgemini as its digital transformation partner to modernise manufacturing systems, strengthen AI and data capabilities, and underpin the build-up to its first fully electric model.
Bentley Motors has appointed Capgemini as its digital transformation lead, bringing in the technology consultancy to modernise manufacturing systems, strengthen data and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, and integrate back-office processes at its historic Crewe headquarters as the carmaker accelerates delivery of its Beyond100+ strategy.
The appointment aims to push Bentley's goal to transform its Crewe site into what the company calls the 'Dream Factory', its most ambitious self-funded investment programme in 105 years of production, encompassing a new design centre, paint shop and a dedicated assembly line for its first fully electric vehicle, due to be revealed later this year.
Under the collaboration, Capgemini will take responsibility for four interconnected workstreams. These cover advanced customer and commercial insights alongside modern IT service operations designed to move beyond conventional break-fix support to more reliable, employee-centric digital services.
The partnership also covers data architecture and digital foundations, giving Bentley clearer data ownership and faster decision-making capability, as well as cost optimisation and continuous improvement across manufacturing systems.
Axel Dewitz, member of the board for finance and IT at Bentley Motors, described the collaboration as a strategic rather than transactional relationship. "This transition marks an important step in Bentley's digital journey," he said. "With Capgemini, we are building a strategic relationship to support our long-term ambitions. The integration is progressing smoothly and we're looking to the future with a shared commitment to quality and agility."
The collaboration arrives at a pivotal moment for Bentley as the Crewe site has already achieved carbon-neutral certification and the Dream Factory transformation is well advanced and is being prepared to assemble Bentley's first electric car.
The first fully electric model, described as the world's first true Luxury Urban SUV, is on track for launch later this year, with market deliveries expected in 2027. The vehicle will offer an estimated 46 billion configuration options, underlining the complexity of the personalisation challenge Bentley's manufacturing systems must support.
