A Key Moment: Wolfgang Dürheimer Accepts Bentley Motors Leadership at 2011 Detroit Motor Show - COMPLETE VIDEO

DETROIT - January 10, 2011: Today, at the North American International Auto Show, Wolfgang Dürheimer was introduced to the media as the new Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors. Mr. Dürheimer accepted the symbolic keys to one of the company’s most revered cars – W.O. Bentley’s 1930 8-litre saloon which was his official company car.

Click PLAY to watch the complete Bentley Press Conference

The 8-litre, now owned by Bentley Motors and still driven to this day, represented the pinnacle of W.O. Bentley’s engineering career. Capable of reaching more than 100 mph, the 8-litre demonstrated W.O. Bentley’s ambition and ability to build a grand luxury car capable of surpassing every other leading manufacturer of the day. This ability to combine stirring performance with hand-crafted luxury has been at the heart of the Bentley experience ever since.

Mr. Dürheimer, who received the keys as well as a hand-crafted model of the 8-litre from Bentley’s outgoing Chairman and CEO Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen and who will join the famous Crewe manufacturer on 1st February, commented:

“I have already had the pleasure of visiting Crewe and saw just why the company retains such a pride in its origins. The commitment to quality, craftsmanship and enthusiasm that everyone there shares, is remarkable and a tribute to the leadership of Dr. Paefgen.”