Luxury car maker Bentley is to release its first ever non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and promised they will all be carbon neutral.
The Crewe-headquartered company will drop the NFTs in September with the run limited to 208.
That number has been chosen because it is the top speed of its fastest Grand Tourer (the Continental GT Speed) and the total production run of the iconic R-Type Continental of 1952.
The automotive giant said the Bentley NFT will be a unique artwork created by Bentley Design and will offer “unique access and exclusive rewards to holders”.
It added it is “positioning this first drop to lead a long-term approach to expand and enhance Bentley ownership in the Web3 ecosystem”.
Member of the board for sales and marketing, Alain Favey, said: “Bentley customers are living their lives online, purchasing luxury goods with digital currency, and establishing businesses in the Metaverse.
“We’ve always engaged our customers where they explore their passions, and today that means being present in digital marketplaces and offering NFT assets.
“We’ve seen how NFTs have raised the profiles of both art and artist, and we believe the same can happen in the luxury automotive space.”
Ryan Wyatt, CEO at Polygon Studios, added: “Polygon is excited to expand our partnerships in the automobile industry, by working with the most prestigious brand in its sector.
“Polygon will provide the sustainable, low-fee infrastructure Bentley requires for its foray into Web3.
“By embracing this novel tech, Bentley secures its position in the next iteration of the internet ,and doing so via Polygon’s carbon-neutral network will assist the automaker on its journey toward attaining carbon-neutrality by 2030.”
Bentley added that its NFT drop will be an “integral first step into Web3 space”.
It will also explore other digital platforms, including NFCs (non-fungible chips), online gaming, Metaverse applications, and the use of blockchain technology across the organisation.
Bentley added: “Proceeds from this and future activations will further the brand’s philanthropic efforts.
“Bentley will accelerate support for students interested in engineering, design, and manufacturing, all areas where Bentley requires new talent annually.
“Bentley also plans to support organizations working to increase sustainability efforts, especially in the transportation sector.”
