CREWE'S luxury car maker has announced the production of its first battery-powered electric vehicle.

The development and build of the vehicle is part of a programme of £2.5 billion which Bentley Motors is investing in "sustainability" over the next ten years.

The first vehicle is scheduled to roll off the production line at the company's Pyms Lane plant in 2025 in a move its says will help secure its first step into electrification at the plant.

In 2020 Bentley launched what it calls is Beyond100 strategy to ensure it is exclusively electric and end-to-end carbon neutral by 2030.

The latest investment programme will also result in a complete transformation of Bentley's entire product portfolio and its Crewe base by introducing a "next generation digital, low environmental impact, high-value advanced manufacturing facility".

Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, said: "Securing production of our first battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV) in Crewe is a milestone moment for Bentley, and the UK, as we plan for a long-term sustainable future in Crewe."

"Beyond100 is the boldest plan in Bentley's illustrious history. It's an ambitious and credible roadmap to carbon neutrality of our total business system, including the shift to 100 per cent BEV in just eight years."

Peter Bosch, Board Member for Manufacturing at Bentley Motors, added: "Today is arguably the most important day in Bentley's modern history, and is a testament to the hard work and skill of our colleagues in Crewe.

"The journey really does start now. We are already marking the pinnacle in luxury car production and have already transformed our factory to become carbon neutral, with industry-leading environmental credentials.

"With our new 'Dream Factory' concept, we now go to zero also with water, waste and other environmental impacts until 2030.

"Unique craftsmanship, customer interaction and employee experience will be enhanced by digital tech, higher flexibility and new ways of personalisation."

Bentley are due to make further announcements on its Beyond100 plan later today (Wednesday).