Bentley CEO Explains Using Social Media Of Rick Ross And Mayweather To Hype New SUV

(AllHipHop News) For years Rick Ross has championed the Bentley brand despite flexing the Maybach Music Group chains and pushing Maybachs like a “bawse.”

Well recently the rapper teamed up with Bentley in a social media campaign to further assist the brand in reaching out to greater audiences with its Bentley Bentayga,

Rick Ross reportedly gave the luxury whip his stamp of approval as video emerged in January showing the Carol City, Florida bred rapper showing off Bentley’s first sport utility vehicle.

The post made its way to social media and YouTube generating free publicity for the Bentayga months before the United State release of the utility vehicle.

According to Automotive News, a Bentley spokesperson said “Ross has put a down payment on the vehicle”

We also learned that Bentley encourages the exposure by celebrities because the luxury auto-maker does not place television ads instead opting to rely on social media, word of mouth and exposure from celebs.

But, the Bentayga comes with a price tag as large as Rick Ross himself, computing to $229,100 before shipping,

Michael Winkler, CEO of Bentley Motors Inc., spoke about the brand’s marketing strategy going forward and the use of celebs like Rick Ross and Floyd Mayweather to bolster the brand’s image.

I like to finish what I Start.

A photo posted by Rick Ross / Yung Renzel (@richforever) on Sep 13, 2015 at 1:50pm PDT

“If we can help them get more publicity, that’s great (laughs). It is a compliment, obviously, when you see celebrities driving your brand. Particularly because in contrast to other high-line, premium brands, we don’t have to give the cars away. They actually buy them. That is a real compliment and I think very positive for the brand,” he explained.

“It’s 99.9 percent positive. But then the odd guy who puts purple stripes with fire blowing out the side and 30-inch wheels on the things — maybe you don’t want that so much. It is a huge compliment that high-profile people want to drive this brand and do so with their own money,” Winkler answered.

When asked if he could quantify the value of free social media marketing, the Bentley CEO said that without the marketing of Bentley drivers on social media, “you’re dead.”

“Whatever I’d tell you would be way off the mark. I wouldn’t be able to put a number on it. What I do know is if you don’t address it, you’re dead. I will say that,” he added.

The SUV will reach 187 mph making it the fastest SUV in the true luxury segment according to the Bentley CEO.

The SUV is set to arrive stateside in April or May so expect to see Rick Ross showing off the luxury SUV possibly as soon as next month.

Check out the gallery below with images of the SUV and also several promotional videos that showcase the speed of the new Bentley Bentayga.