A NEW Bentley SUV to rival the likes of the Range Rover will create more than 1,000 new jobs in the UK motor industry.

The Volkswagen-owned company has confirmed that the new sports utility vehicle, the brand's fourth model line, will be built in Cheshire and go on sale in 2016.

And over the next three years Bentley has pledged to invest more than £800 million in its headquarters at Crewe and the development of new models.

Bentley says the new car will not only be a thoroughbred with styling that sets it apart from any other SUV on the road but also the most luxurious and most powerful 4x4 in the market.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "This £800 million investment and a thousand new jobs from Bentley is fantastic news for both Crewe and for the UK as a whole. It is another important milestone in strengthening our economy.

"One sector that we know is sprinting ahead in the global race is our booming automotive industry. One vehicle rolls off a production line somewhere in the UK every 20 seconds and we have just launched the Government's Automotive Industrial Strategy to help continue this success for years to come.

"I am delighted that Bentley will be building their new vehicle here, not only creating a thousand jobs, but safeguarding many more, as well as increasing training opportunities for highly skilled apprentices."

VW chairman Dr Martin Winterkorn said: "The Volkswagen Group believes in the UK as a competitive location for industrial production. Bentley fans all around the world are looking forward to the brand's first SUV.

"Together we will make this new Bentley another true Bentley - powerful, exclusive and successful."

And Business Secretary Vince Cable added: "This is a welcome commitment to the UK from a major international car maker. Our automotive industrial strategy proves this government's commitment to working with world-class companies like Bentley to create jobs and promote exports.

"Bentley was the first firm I visited as a government minister and serves as a real example of high value manufacturing. They export more than four out of every five cars they make in the UK to the rest of the world."