How to Live with the World's Foremost Driver's Car | BENTLEY
CAR / FEATURES
May 16, 2016

How to Live with the World's Foremost Driver's Car | BENTLEY


BENTLEY


Living with a Bentley: What Matters (1)


Bentley, the world's finest driver's car. While equipped with sophisticated mechanisms, recent models are surprisingly rare to break down. Furthermore, maintenance is performed by staff with deep knowledge and high technical skills, trained at the UK headquarters, and a comprehensive maintenance system and warranty are also in place. This time, we investigated the various services offered by Bentley Tokyo & Osaka for a fulfilling life with a Bentley.

Photographs by ARAKAWA MasayukiText by OGAWA Fumio




Reliability is also a sign of fine craftsmanship



What defines something as truly "good"? It's widely agreed that Bentley ranks among the very top tier of exceptional products, maintaining its value over time. Many factors contribute to preserving Bentley's worth, and the service system is one of them.

Compared to a generation ago, cars require significantly less maintenance. Many people learned about pre-drive checks in driving school, but that term is now almost obsolete. Cars are simply more reliable. Bentley vehicles are no exception.


The Essence of BENTLEY

Cornes Motors Ltd., Management Office
Hiroyuki Tsuchida, Marketing Manager


The Essence of BENTLEY

Flying Spur V8




"It's astonishing," says Hiroyuki Tsuchida, Marketing Manager at the Management Office of Cornes Motors Ltd., which handles Bentley sales. Meeting Mr. Tsuchida at the Bentley Tokyo showroom in Aoyama, he expressed his undisguised surprise at the low incidence of breakdowns in recent Bentley models, despite their overwhelming power.

"Bentley cars are characterized by their advanced mechanisms, such as large engines, sophisticated air suspension, and (depending on the model) full-time all-wheel-drive technology."

At the time of our visit, the Bentley Tokyo showroom displayed the "Continental GT" and the "Flying Spur." The former is a four-seat coupe, and the latter is a spacious sedan. Both feature large-displacement engines and full-time 4WD systems. The appeal of Bentley lies in its exquisite balance. They are equipped with massive engines producing at least 500 horsepower, yet possess beautiful aesthetics, and even the coupes can comfortably seat four adults.



The Essence of BENTLEY

The engine bay of the Flying Spur V8




"The packaging of Bentley cars is superb. The engine, a multi-cylinder unit designed to be as compact as possible, fits into a surprisingly short bonnet space, allowing for a cabin that comfortably seats four adults and a trunk capable of holding luggage for four. Even the stylish two-door models are no exception."

When one speaks of the "fine craftsmanship" of a Bentley, many might immediately think of its high-performance mechanisms or the luxurious texture of its interior. However, the fact that it operates flawlessly as a machine is also a testament to its superior build quality.








They are resistant to breaking down, but that doesn't mean they can be neglected without any maintenance. For owners, maintaining the complex mechanisms that support high performance in optimal condition is crucial. Therefore, regular inspections are important. Bentley's service program is unique. According to the program established by the parent company, inspections are to be performed four times over three years. Not once a year for three years, but four times—that's the Bentley way.

What is the purpose of this extra inspection, one more than most manufacturers provide?


The Essence of BENTLEY

Around the exhaust of the Continental GT. Craftsmanship is evident even in parts unseen by the driver.





The Essence of BENTLEY



Hiroyuki TSUCHIDA
Marketing Manager, Management Office, Cornes Motors Ltd.
After working in import operations and sales at the company, he assumed his current position in 2012.







Page02.Can you continue to drive a high-end brand with peace of mind?






BENTLEY


Living with a Bentley: What Matters (2)




Can you continue to drive a high-end brand with peace of mind?



What's important in a car's value? As some may know, the contents of the maintenance logbook in the glove compartment can influence the car's price at resale. What matters in a car's history is "who has performed the maintenance."

Maintenance at an authorized service center with product knowledge is the most correct history for a car. There is a specific reason for this with Bentley vehicles.



The Essence of BENTLEY

The Essence of BENTLEY

Tetsuya Enomoto (left) and Mitsuhiro Tamura, Master Technicians at Bentley Tokyo (Cornes Motors)



"Bentley Motors globally employs a Master Technician system," explains Mr. Tsuchida.

"For example, the flagship Mulsanne is serviced exclusively by Master Technicians. To become certified, they must undergo three weeks of training at the Crewe headquarters, followed by passing written exams, vehicle diagnostics, coaching, and customer service assessments. It's a highly demanding qualification."

They possess not only knowledge of intricate mechanisms but also an understanding of Bentley's philosophy and the communication skills to interact with owners. Master Technicians, recognized by the headquarters for their abilities, are available at the service centers of Bentley Tokyo and Bentley Osaka. Naturally, the mechanics aspiring to obtain this qualification are highly motivated and skilled, earning high praise from owners.


The Essence of BENTLEY

The Essence of BENTLEY



"Bentley Motors is acutely aware of how precisely engineered its products are and the importance of maintaining their value. The Master Technician system is in place for this reason, and another unique Bentley program is the initial inspection. For new cars, a thorough inspection is conducted around the 1,600 km mileage mark. Among the brands we handle, this is a distinctive feature of Bentley. This mileage is also considered the engine's break-in period, which is quite a rare 'expression' in modern automobiles. Many manufacturers, including mass-market brands, have eliminated initial inspections before the annual service."


The Essence of BENTLEY

Master Technicians are awarded a certificate by Bentley's UK headquarters.




Mr. Tsuchida believes the initial inspection is of significant importance. For most machines, initial maintenance is crucial. Servicing when new leads to maintaining high precision and reducing the likelihood of breakdowns later on. Bentley clearly understands this.

"Normally, there's one inspection per year, totaling three over three years. But Bentley has four inspections in three years. While it's rare for issues to be found during the initial inspection, it should be viewed less as a troubleshooting exercise and more as a confirmation to maintain precision."




Furthermore, the initial inspection offers another significant benefit.





Page03.Peace of Mind with the Bentley Care Program and Warranty System






BENTLEY


Living with a Bentley: What Matters (3)




Peace of Mind with the Bentley Care Program and Warranty System



"There's something we consider very important," says Mr. Tsuchida.

"Communication with our customers. We always inquire if they have any concerns or specific requests. We believe that more frequent interactions benefit the customer. The initial inspection shortly after purchase is a key opportunity for this. It allows us to understand the owner's needs and ensure their satisfaction with their Bentley lifestyle."


The Essence of BENTLEY

The Essence of BENTLEY

Bentley Tokyo (Cornes Motors) Shinonome Service Center Front




The initial inspection is crucial for maintaining the vehicle's high performance and for owners to communicate their needs to sales staff, thereby enhancing their satisfaction with life alongside a Bentley. It is therefore a very important occasion for the owner. The fact that Bentley Motors (and its staff in Japan) understands this and uses it as a core element of quality customer communication is highly commendable.

Bentley vehicles come with the Bentley Care Program, which provides maintenance for three years from the date of new car purchase. This includes the manufacturer-specified initial inspection and service, as well as the legally mandated inspections and manufacturer-specified inspections and services at 12, 24, and 36 months, all free of charge. It also covers the replacement of manufacturer-specified consumables for three years from the initial registration or up to 48,000 km, whichever comes first. Additionally, an Emergency Assistance Service is included, providing 24/7 support from dedicated operators for any unforeseen circumstances.

The warranty system is another reassuring feature for owners. It is valid for three years from the initial registration, with unlimited mileage. If a malfunction occurs despite the vehicle being operated in accordance with the owner's manual, it will be repaired free of charge.


The Essence of BENTLEY



"An extended warranty of one or two years is also available as an option (paid). Furthermore, customers purchasing a certified pre-owned Bentley also receive a one-year warranty with unlimited mileage," Mr. Tsuchida explains.







Some owners may wish to enjoy winter sports, leveraging Bentley's all-weather capability. The full-time 4WD system in the Continental GT series, Flying Spur series (and the upcoming SUV, the "Bentayga") offers significant benefits. For instance, at Bentley Tokyo's authorized service center, a complimentary condition check is performed every time tires are changed between summer and winter sets. This proactive service is highly appreciated by customers.


The Essence of BENTLEY





The Essence of BENTLEY



"Whether you drive a current model or a slightly older Bentley like the 'Arnage,' we encourage you to visit our service center for condition checks and other services. Even if you purchase a pre-owned Bentley from a source other than an authorized dealer, our authorized dealership provides reliable servicing, and maintenance costs are surprisingly reasonable. We fully support all your Bentley maintenance needs." Mr. Tsuchida states.







Getting to know yourself and your car is essential for a fulfilling life (with a Bentley). Furthermore, consistently receiving high-quality service serves as proof of the car's condition and translates into significant value when it's time to pass it on to the next owner.

In conclusion, considering the flexibility in purchasing options and the comprehensive maintenance system, Bentley may be a more realistic choice than one might imagine. It remains a brand to watch for enthusiasts who enjoy cars as a luxury item.



Service Center Information




cam



Bentley Tokyo (Cornes Motors)
Shinonome Service Center


In addition to Bentley, the service center also handles Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce vehicles distributed by Cornes Motors.

2-5-6 Shinonome, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3527-5511











Inquiries


Bentley Tokyo (Cornes Motors)


Tel. 03-5413-2145


(Monday-Friday 10:00-19:00, Saturday, Sunday, Holidays 10:00-18:00, Open daily)


http://www.cornesmotor.com/bentley/