Bentley has announced that it will halt production at its Crewe facility, even though high-end luxury vehicles have until now been less affected by the global financial meltdown.
Citing falling demand, the manufacturer announced it would stop production for "six or seven weeks."
The shutdown will last from March to May, although Bentley's workers will still be paid during the period. The manufacturer is owned by Volkswagen and employs 3 600 people at its Crewe plant.
Company spokesman Mike Hawes told AFP that there had been a significant falloff in demand in its biggest market, the United States, but said the manufacturer hoped its fortunes could be boosted by increased demand in China and the Middle East.