Software Defined Vehicles
How Capgemini supports Bentley’s digital transformation
Capgemini will support Bentley in four connected areas: customer and business insights, IT service modernisation, data foundations and more reliable employee-focused digital services.
Bentley / Mark Fagelson
Bentley has chosen Capgemini as a strategic digital transformation partner for its Crewe site. The cooperation will focus on manufacturing systems, data and AI capabilities, IT services and back-office integration as the OEM prepares its first electric model.
The partnership is also intended to support the further
development of Crewe into Bentley’s so-called Dream Factory. This is the
largest self-funded investment programme in the company’s 105-year history. It
includes a new design centre, a new paint shop and a dedicated assembly line
for Bentley’s first fully electric vehicle, which is due to be presented this
year.
How will Capgemini modernise Bentley’s IT and data
systems?
As part of the cooperation, Capgemini will be responsible
for four connected areas. These include advanced customer and business insights
as well as the modernisation of Bentley’s IT service organisation. The aim is
to replace traditional break-fix approaches with more reliable and
employee-focused digital services.
The partnership also covers data
architecture and digital foundations. This is intended to help Bentley
establish clearer data ownership and accelerate decision-making. Further
priorities include cost optimisation and the continuous improvement of
manufacturing systems.
Why is Crewe critical to Bentley’s electric future?
The agreement comes at a decisive stage for Bentley. The
Crewe site has already achieved carbon-neutral certification, while the
transformation into the Dream Factory is well advanced. At the same time, the
company is preparing production of its first electric vehicle.
Bentley describes the model as the world’s first true Luxury
Urban SUV. It is scheduled to be unveiled this year, with market launch planned
for 2027. According to the carmaker, the vehicle will offer around 46 billion
configuration possibilities – a clear indication of the complexity that future
production and IT systems will have to support.
How does the partnership fit Bentley’s transformation?
Axel Dewitz, Member of the Board for Finance and IT at
Bentley Motors, described the transition as an important step in Bentley’s
digital journey. He said the company is building a strategic partnership with
Capgemini to support its long-term ambitions.
For Bentley, the project links digital transformation
directly with manufacturing readiness. The first electric Bentley will depend
not only on design, battery technology and
luxury craftsmanship, but also on production and IT systems capable of handling
high levels of personalisation, data use and operational complexity.
