Bentley has committed to becoming an all-electric brand by 2030, as part of its Beyond100 Strategic Plan. The company's first electric model will reportedly be a sedan that will arrive in 2025. To help Bentley transmission into this electric future, the company has brought in new leadership for the design partner. Bentley announced that Andreas Mindt will become its new Director of Design, starting on March 1, 2021. Mindt replaces Stefan Sielaff, who will leave the Volkswagen Group after working for the Audi and Bentley brands.
Like his predecessor, Mindt previously worked as the Head of Exterior Design for Audi. During his time there, Mindt helped oversee the creation of the Audi e-tron, the brand's first dedicated electric car, and the Q8, the prettiest SUV Coupe on the market. It seems Bentley has picked the right man for the job.
"I am pleased to welcome Andreas to Bentley and look forward to working closely with him at such a critical, yet exciting time for the business," says Dr. Matthias Rabe, Bentley's Board Member for Engineering who Mindt will report to. "The hard work starts now as we accelerate our journey to full electrification by 2030. With Andreas's creative experience in progressive electric car design delivery and passion for Bentley and the Volkswagen Group, he is perfectly placed to help us achieve our ambitions as the leader in sustainable luxury mobility."
Before switching to Audi, Mindt worked at the Volkswagen design department in Wolfsburg and was involved in a number of show cars, including the 1999 Bentley Hunaudieres supercar (pictured above). Though it never reached production, the Hunaudieres previewed the 8.0-liter W16 that would eventually be used in the Bugatti Veyron. Mindt will work with a team of 50 design experts who will help style the exterior, interior, color, and trims for current and future Bentley models, including concepts and show cars.
"Bentley is a jewel within the Volkswagen Group. Designing a car, and a future, is always a process based on the performance of many, not one, and so I look forward to working with my colleagues to help define the next phase for Bentley, into an electrified future," Mindt said.