Top 13 Largest Car Brands in the World

PSA Peugeot Citroën, established in 1810, is a French automotive brand that owns Peugeot, Citroën, and DS. It is one of the oldest brands, with descendants of the founders still holding shares and management positions. Peugeot is known for its pioneering designs and breakthrough automotive technology. With the iconic 'French Lion' logo and impressive design and engine features, this brand sparks curiosity worldwide. Although Peugeot is not widely recognized in Vietnam due to its pricing and features, it continues to maintain its global presence, thriving even amid complex economic conditions such as the pandemic. Popular models include the Peugeot 208, 408, and 508.

Suzuki, originally founded as a textile company, has grown into one of Japan's most popular car brands. With 15 car manufacturing plants across 14 countries and 133 dealerships in 119 countries, Suzuki has become a global automotive presence. The company, known as Suzuki Kabushikigaisha, produces not only cars (especially Kei cars and small sports cars), but also motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, boats, and even wheelchairs. Its subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki, is well-known for its affordable vehicles. In Vietnam, the Suzuki Swift is popular, and the Suzuki Ertiga has recently gained traction. After over 110 years of development, Suzuki now operates 15 automobile factories worldwide and has 113 dealerships, including in Vietnam, where it first introduced vehicles in 1995. The company’s cars are appreciated for their durability and fuel efficiency.

Volkswagen Group, abbreviated as VW AG, is a multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. While Volkswagen itself may not be the most dominant brand, VW AG remains one of the world’s top car producers. The company held the European market leader position for over 20 years and continues to rank among the top 10 global corporations. In 2014, Volkswagen produced 10.4 million vehicles, generating €202 billion in revenue and a net profit of €10.847 billion. The group owns numerous car brands including Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, Porsche, MAN SE, Scania, SEAT, and Skoda, in addition to its own Volkswagen brand and Ducati motorcycles. Operating in over 150 countries, Volkswagen has more than 100 manufacturing facilities in 27 nations worldwide. Volkswagen is not only a well-known German car brand but also a multinational corporation with significant influence in the global automotive industry.

BMW, a German automobile manufacturer, was founded on March 7, 1961, and introduced its first car in 1929. Over the years, BMW has become a leading brand in the global luxury car market. When you think of BMW, you immediately picture a high-end vehicle with a hefty price tag, known for its stable performance and durability. BMW vehicles are praised for their cutting-edge technology and striking designs, making them ideal for wealthy individuals. With 24 production facilities in 13 countries worldwide, BMW’s factories can produce hundreds to thousands of cars daily, depending on orders. The brand is renowned for its dynamic performance, aesthetic appeal, and commitment to innovation.

Honda is one of the most renowned automobile manufacturers, competing with the top players in the industry. Known for its high reliability and excellent design, Honda vehicles have gained global popularity. As the largest engine producer in the world, Honda manufactures over 14 million units annually. In response to environmental standards, the company began producing quiet, unfiltered diesel engines in 2004. Honda’s core success stems from its motorcycle production. The brand's vehicles exude elegance and refinement, appealing to those with a calm demeanor, including particularly slender women. Honda’s smooth engine sound is a key feature, avoiding the harsh rumble of other cars. Known for its fuel efficiency, Honda remains one of the most popular and in-demand car brands worldwide.

Today, the automobile market is filled with many well-known brands, and Ford is certainly one of the most prominent. In the past, Ford was a much smaller operation with limited production processes, relying on suppliers to assemble vehicles. Founded by Henry Ford in 1903, the American-based brand is renowned for its durability, power, and luxury. The brand’s most iconic feature is its embossed logo, symbolizing strength and robust design. Ford offers a wide range of best-selling models worldwide, including in Vietnam, with popular categories like MPVs, SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks. MPVs, designed to seat 7-9 passengers, offer flexibility and ample cargo space, making them ideal for families, frequent travelers, or anyone who enjoys an active lifestyle.

Hyundai, initially a construction company founded by Chung Ju-young in 1947, was part of the largest conglomerate in South Korea at the time. On April 1, 2003, Hyundai Motor Company was reorganized into five separate entities: Hyundai Development Group, Hyundai Motor Company, Hyundai Division, and Hyundai Group. From a consumer's perspective, it is hard to ignore the impressive progress Hyundai has made in recent years. This success is a result of Hyundai’s continuous innovation and the introduction of more modern and advanced vehicles to the global market, including Vietnam. The company aims to redefine automotive design trends with its 'Fluidic Sculpture' philosophy, which draws inspiration from nature. Their designs aim to capture the energy and dynamism of nature, creating a distinctive identity that blends both art and technology. Hyundai offers a wide array of stylish and dependable vehicles for consumers around the world.

General Motors (GM) was founded in 1908 in Flint, Michigan, by the experienced horse-drawn vehicle manufacturer, William 'Billy' Durant. From the outset, Durant envisioned consolidating individual automobile manufacturers rather than competing with them. Each brand would focus on its own specific area of production. In 1908, Durant expanded GM’s reach by acquiring Oldsmobile, and by 1909, GM had also acquired Cadillac, Carter Car, Elmore, Ewing, and Oakland. In the 1910s, GM added Welch and Rainier to its roster. GM remained the largest car manufacturer for 77 consecutive years, from 1931 to 2007. The company operates in 34 countries, with 244,500 employees worldwide, selling and servicing vehicles in 140 nations. In 2008, GM sold 8.35 million vehicles under brands such as Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Opel, Vauxhall, Holden, and Wuling. In Vietnam, GM is currently offering seven models from Chevrolet: Cruze, Spark, Aveo, Colorado, Captiva, Trax, and Orlando.

Fiat, a renowned car manufacturer from Italy, has been producing vehicles since the early 20th century. The company has undergone numerous transformations throughout its history but has consistently been known for its automotive production. Offering stylish models at affordable prices, Fiat provides customers with creative and practical solutions that offer great value for money. The company's vision is to become a global automotive brand known for innovation, quality, and style. Through its distinct look, Fiat has built a reputation for producing fashionable yet budget-friendly cars, a brand identity that has evolved over the years. In the 1950s and 1960s, Fiat was recognized for its small, practical cars that were perfect for urban living. In the 1970s and 1980s, the company shifted focus to performance and luxury vehicles, acquiring other car manufacturers to expand its range. By the 2000s, Fiat returned to its roots, once again producing small, fuel-efficient cars ideal for city driving.

The first-generation Tata Indica (1998-2007) became one of the best-selling cars in the history of the Indian automotive industry. Tata entered the truck manufacturing business in 1954 through a joint venture with Germany's Mercedes-Benz. After dominating the Indian truck market for many years, Tata Motors ventured into the passenger vehicle market in 1991 with the introduction of the Tata Sierra. The company then launched the Tata Estate (1992), a station wagon design based on the earlier Tata Sumo (LCV 1994) and the Tata Safari (1998), which became India’s first SUV. In 1998, Tata introduced the Tata Indica, India’s first fully indigenous car. Initially criticized by car analysts, the Indica's powerful engine, excellent fuel efficiency, and strong marketing strategy helped it become one of the most popular cars globally, and the best-selling car in the history of the Indian automobile industry. A revised version, the Indica V2, showed significant improvements over its predecessor and quickly gained popularity. Tata Motors also successfully exported a large number of vehicles to South Africa. The success of the Indica played a key role in Tata Motors' growth.

Toyota is one of the most recognized Japanese car brands globally, known for its reliability, low operating costs, fuel efficiency, and practicality. The company owns subsidiaries like Lexus, Daihatsu, and Scion. Toyota vehicles are famous for their durability and resale value. In Vietnam, Toyota holds a significant market share across various segments and is popular for models such as the Vios, Altis, Camry, Fortuner, and Innova. Unlike brands that acquire others, Toyota created the luxury brand Lexus in 1989. Lexus vehicles are known for their elegant design, luxurious interiors, impeccable craftsmanship, and high prices. Notable Lexus models include the GS 350 sedan, the world’s most expensive hybrid LS 600HL, and the large SUVs GX 460 and LX570. Toyota's brand value is estimated at $59.48 billion.

Daimler may not be a household name, but it owns some of the most prestigious automotive brands in the world: Mercedes-Benz, AMG, Smart, and the now-defunct Maybach (ceased in 2013). Mercedes-Benz offers a wide range of vehicles, from sedans and crossovers to large SUVs and minivans, and it holds the distinction of being the oldest among the big three German automakers, outlasting Audi and BMW. AMG represents the high-performance, upgraded versions of Mercedes models, often featuring more aggressive styling, enhanced power, better handling, stability, and the extensive use of carbon fiber. The AMG models are typically the most expensive and the highest performing in their respective Mercedes ranges. Maybach was once a competitor to Rolls-Royce and Bentley in the ultra-luxury segment, but after a sharp decline in sales, Daimler phased out the brand in 2013. Now, the company focuses on luxury vehicles under the Mercedes S-Class series, including the S400, S500, S550, and S600. Daimler's brand valuation is $22.5 billion.

The automotive market is flooded with a variety of vehicles, ranging from traditional models to luxury, high-end cars. Every brand is vying for attention with innovative and unique offerings. Despite being a latecomer, Geely has quickly demonstrated its ambition and is determined to conquer the global automotive industry. Geely is a Chinese car manufacturer that acquired Volvo in 2010 for $1.8 billion. The company is now focusing on expanding its presence in promising markets, such as Southeast Asia and other parts of Asia. In Malaysia, the brand has gained traction due to the affordable pricing and consistent quality of its vehicles. Geely is also looking to capitalize on the potential of electric vehicles, positioning itself to compete with major players in the EV space, such as Tesla and Nio. Additionally, the brand has set its sights on the luxury market, constantly producing new electric models, such as the Zeekr series.