On the heels of new environmental efforts, Bentley unveils an all-new Continental GT plug-in hybrid coming before the end of the year.
Bentley Motors has unveiled a series of environmental initiatives aimed at restoring kelp forests off the Californian coast. These projects, backed by the newly established Bentley Environmental Foundation in partnership with SeaTrees, seek to rejuvenate marine ecosystems by reintroducing the endangered sunflower stars and monitoring kelp growth across three critical sites.
The announcement came during a beach dinner for Bentley customers at the Monterey Car Week event in California. The Bentley Environmental Foundation, launched last year as part of the company’s Beyond100 strategy, focuses on global sustainability efforts. The kelp restoration project is a direct response to the alarming decline in kelp forests, with more than ninety percent lost due to climate change, the absence of sunflower stars, and the unchecked spread of purple sea urchins.
Wayne Bruce, Bentley’s Chief Communications and DEI Officer, emphasized the company’s dedication to innovative environmental solutions: “At Bentley, we are committed to driving forward innovative environmental initiatives and solutions. By partnering with SeaTrees and other pioneering organisations, we are bringing to life our long-term commitment to preserve and regenerate our planet for future generations,” Bruce said in a statement. “The Foundation’s support for the kelp restoration project in California underscores this commitment, and will continue to help transform and conserve the world’s vitally important blue carbon ecosystems. This initiative is testament to our Beyond100 strategy and our ongoing commitment to global sustainability, with the Foundation as a key pillar for catalysing positive environmental change.”
A key aspect of this project involves cultivating sunflower stars in laboratory settings. These invertebrates are natural predators of sea urchins, which have been destroying kelp forests. By releasing sunflower stars back into the ocean, the project aims to control the sea urchin population and restore ecological balance to the marine food web.
Kelp plays a vital role in combating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from both the atmosphere and ocean. It also provides a natural habitat for numerous marine species and contributes to coastal protection. The restoration efforts spearheaded by Bentley and its partners will not only support marine biodiversity but also bolster the environmental and recreational value of the region’s coastal areas.
The Bentley Environmental Foundation is collaborating with SeaTrees, Reef Check California, and the Sunflower Star Laboratory to create favorable conditions for kelp growth and support research into ecosystem recovery. Through these partnerships, the foundation aims to promote the importance of kelp restoration and inspire broader participation in similar environmental initiatives. The Bentley Environmental Foundation is already working with Sustainable Surf, a California-based nonprofit behind the SeaTrees initiative, to enhance ocean health. Past projects include planting one million mangrove trees in Kenya and conducting seagrass and kelp regeneration efforts in Portugal and Spain.
Michael Stewart, Co-Founder and Director of SeaTrees, highlighted the importance of Bentley’s involvement: “Partnering with the Bentley Environmental Foundation is a game-changer for our kelp restoration efforts in California. The funding and support from Bentley allow us to tackle the urgent crisis facing our kelp forests with a multifaceted approach. Their support not only aids in the recovery of crucial marine habitats but also underscores the importance of innovative collaborations in addressing climate change and protecting our oceans for future generations.”
The news comes as Bentley is set to introduce an all-new Continental GT plug-in hybrid by the end of 2024, marking a significant shift for the luxury automaker. “It certainly is the next step for Bentley,” Bentley’s U.S. CEO Mike Rocco told Yahoo Finance at Monterey Car Week’s Quail event. “It was just the logical progression to go V8 hybrid.” This new model will feature Bentley’s V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain, offering up to 50 miles of electric range and nearly 1000 lb-ft of torque, combining the electric benefits with the traditional V8 roar. “What’s nice about the new car is that it has regeneration, so you don’t have to plug it in on a regular basis,” Rocco said. “It will regenerate [energy], which, in talking to our clients and our customers and potential prospects, is a strong selling feature for the vehicle.”
The new Continental GT aims to appeal to younger buyers and those seeking customization. “It allows us to, now, I think, speak to a different audience. We’re now into the supercar territory but with the craftsmanship, luxury aspects, and obviously, comfort, of an everyday driving car,” Rocco explained. With features like the energy regeneration that reduces the need for regular plug-ins, Bentley is addressing both the desire for high performance and the practicalities of daily use. While Bentley continues to explore hybrids, the company has postponed its timeline for full electric vehicles, now aiming for full EV production after 2030.
Related on Ethos:
