Bentley Motors has taken a significant step toward its goal of becoming the world's most diverse luxury car manufacturer with the launch of the 'Belonging Bentayga.' This remarkable vehicle, a hand-painted Alpine Green Bentayga Hybrid, showcases iconic skylines and landmarks from around the globe, including New York, London, Paris, Rome, Milan, Venice, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. Each side of the car represents a different continent, featuring 29 distinctive landmarks meticulously drawn from memory by Stephen Wiltshire MBE, a renowned British architectural artist and autistic savant known for his exceptional ability to capture landscapes after a single viewing.
What makes this Bentayga unique is that it's the first Bentley to undergo hand-painting in this fashion, a process developed in collaboration with the Bentley Excellence Centre Bespoke Paint team in Crewe. The design is not limited to buildings; it also includes illustrations of people, symbolizing the unity of diverse nationalities worldwide. This marks the third art piece unveiled by Bentley to emphasize its dedication to diversity.
Wayne Bruce, Chief Communications and D&I Officer at Bentley, expressed the company's delight in collaborating with Stephen and creating the 'Belonging Bentayga.' He highlighted how the car celebrates Bentley's craftsmanship and Stephen's extraordinary artistic talent, aligning with Bentley's Beyond100 strategy, which includes a comprehensive diversity and inclusion plan.
Bruce emphasized Bentley's diverse workforce, composed of individuals from 52 different nationalities, crafting and distributing luxury cars in 67 countries across the globe. The 'Belonging Bentayga' signifies that regardless of where you come from, you belong. It echoes Stephen's ethos of striving for excellence and never giving up.
Stephen Wiltshire, known for his incredible architectural drawings, shared his perspective on the project, emphasizing the role of buildings in telling stories and creating memories. He highlighted how Bentley and the 'Belonging Bentayga' share the mission of bringing people together, fostering journeys and lasting memories. Stephen expressed pride in the finished car and its powerful message of unity and connection.
Stephen Wiltshire, who was born in London and diagnosed with autism at a young age, found his voice through art, progressing from animals to buses and eventually intricate cityscapes. His work has garnered global acclaim.
In 2021, Bentley Motors launched a comprehensive five-step strategy focused on enhancing diversity and inclusion at its Crewe headquarters. This strategy encompasses outreach, recruitment, succession planning, culture, and development, reflecting Bentley's commitment to embracing diverse experiences and perspectives.
