Bentley CEO shares electric vehicle plans for 2026

In a recent episode of Drive Smart, a show featuring discussions around automotive advancements, CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser of Bentley Motors shared insights about the company's strategy towards electric vehicles. This meeting took place while they tested the Flying Spur 2024, a plug-in hybrid model. During their conversation, Walliser talked about Bentley's transition to full electric mode, which is set to culminate with the release of an all-electric urban SUV in 2026. He expressed optimism that current Bentley customers would be attracted to the new electric options available, viewing the thrill of a new car as a significant incentive for them to embrace the change. Furthermore, the conversation delved into the shifting landscape of the automotive industry as manufacturers, including JLR, are reacting to transformative trends such as electrification and sustainability across their services. This included a broader discussion hosted by Forbes in collaboration with Tata Consultancy Services and Jaguar Land Rover, where strategic advisors spoke on essential topics redefining manufacturing and mobility. Key themes included the advent of software-defined vehicles, AI-driven transformations, and enhanced supply chain management that arise from these changes. Significantly, leaders addressed the urgency of a future-ready workforce, emphasizing the importance of upskilling to meet the demands created by technology and industrial innovations. The panel also highlighted Tata Group's focus on collaboration across various sectors, reflecting on how integrated efforts can accelerate development in automotive and mobility industries. This session reinforced the necessity of leadership in navigating the current tumultuous changes while ensuring sustainability, digitalization, and intelligence in future vehicle production. The dialogues illustrate a collective push towards a more efficient, environmentally friendly automotive sector, illustrating how existing pioneers are positioning themselves to not only comply with but flourish in the age of rapid technological advancement and electric mobility. Ultimately, Walliser's revelations about Bentley's impending electric vehicles underscore the broader shift across the industry towards embracing electrification as a cornerstone of future strategic direction.