Minneapolis ad agency Solve, recently named one of the nation's best small agencies, announced Monday that it is the new agency of record for Bentley Motors in North, Central and South America.

Bentley President Christophe Georges said the Crewe, England, based automotive company wants to increase its presence on the American side of the Atlantic. He said Solve knows "how to deliver at global, national and local levels, as well as how to inspire and support a dealer organization."

Solve's executive team has experience in the automotive world working with the likes of Porsche, Subaru, Chrysler and Harley-Davidson.

"Bentley is a legendary brand with a wonderfully ambitious spirit," said Solve CEO John Colasanti. The agency did not disclose what the account would be worth.

Solve will work with the Minneapolis database marketing agency Akquracy in developing communications strategy for Bentley.

The uber-luxury automotive brand, whose prices start at $175,000, is owned by Volks­wagen, with operations for the Americas headquartered in Herndon, Va.

David Phelps • 612-673-7269