The Automotive Giants: 14 Companies That Own 55 Car Brands

 

The Automotive Giants: 14 Companies That Own 55 Car Brands

The global automotive industry is dominated by a handful of major players who control multiple car brands. These companies influence vehicle design, technology, and market trends. While consumers may believe they have a vast selection of automakers to choose from, the reality is that 14 companies own 55 brands worldwide. These companies include

1. General Motors (GM)

2. Geely

3. Volkswagen

 4. Hyundai

5. Toyota

6. BMW Group

7. Ford, Daimler

 8. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)

9. Nissan, Renault

10. Tata Motors

 11. Honda

12. PSA Group

 This blog explores each company and the brands under their umbrella.

 

1. General Motors (GM)

General Motors, headquartered in Detroit, USA, is one of the oldest automakers and owns several brands: 1908$156 billion (2023)

 

·         Chevrolet – A globally recognized brand producing sedans, SUVs, and trucks. (Founded 1911, Turnover $90 billion in 2023)

 

·         GMC – Specializes in trucks and SUVs. (Founded 1912, Turnover $40 billion in 2023).

 

·         Cadillac – A luxury car brand known for premium sedans and SUVs (Founded 1902, Turnover $20 billion in 2023).

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·         Buick – A premium brand that sits between Chevrolet and Cadillac. (Founded 1899, Turnover $6 billion in 2023).

 

·         Holden – Formerly active in Australia and New Zealand but discontinued in 2020.

 

2. Geely 1986 $50 billion

 

 

Geely, a Chinese automotive giant, has expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions:

Geely – Its core brand producing affordable cars. Founded 1986, Turnover $20 billion in 2023).

 

·         Volvo – A Swedish luxury brand focusing on safety and innovation. (Founded 1927, Turnover $35 billion in 2023).

 

·         Polestar – A performance electric car brand. Founded 2017, Turnover $2 billion in 2023).

 

·         Lotus – A British sports car manufacturer. (Founded 1952, Turnover $1.5 billion in 2023).

 

·         Lynk & Co – A premium brand targeting younger buyers. (Founded 2016, Turnover $1 billion in 2023).

3. Volkswagen Group (Founded 1937, Turnover $180 billion in 2023).

Volkswagen is a German automaker owning some of the world’s most iconic brands:

Volkswagen – A mass-market brand producing cars for all segments.

·         Audi – A premium brand known for luxury and technology. (Founded 1909, Turnover $65 billion in 2023).

 

·         Porsche – A sports car brand with high performance. (Founded 1931, Turnover $40 billion in 2023).

 

·         Bentley – A British luxury brand. (Founded 1919, Turnover $3 billion in 2023).

 

·         Lamborghini – Italian high-performance supercars. (Founded 1963, Turnover $2 billion in 2023).

 

·         Bugatti – A hypercar brand with limited production (Founded 1909, Turnover $1 billion in 2023)

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·         SEAT – A Spanish brand focusing on affordable yet stylish cars. (Founded 1950, Turnover $10 billion in 2023).

 

·         Škoda – A Czech brand known for value-for-money vehicles. (Founded 1895, Turnover $20 billion in 2023).

 

 

4. Hyundai Motor Group 1967 $110 billion (2023)

 

 

This South Korean company has grown rapidly and owns:

·         Hyundai – Produces affordable cars, SUVs, and electric vehicles.

·         Kia – Offers stylish and affordable alternatives to Hyundai.

·         Genesis – A luxury sub-brand focusing on premium cars.

 

5. Toyota Motor Corporation 1937$320 billion (2023)

Toyota is one of the largest automakers in the world, with brands like:

·         Toyota – Producing reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles.

·         Lexus – A luxury brand competing with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

·         Daihatsu – Specializes in small cars, primarily in Japan and Southeast Asia.

·         Hino – A truck and commercial vehicle manufacturer.

 

6. BMW Group

1916	$150 billion (2023)

BMW is synonymous with luxury and performance and owns:

·         BMW – A premium brand known for driving dynamics.

·         Mini – Producing stylish small cars with premium features.

·         Rolls-Royce – A British luxury brand known for opulence.

 

7. Ford Motor Company

1903	$165 billion (2023)

Ford has been an industry leader for decades and owns:

·         Ford – A mass-market brand producing trucks, SUVs, and sedans.

·         Lincoln – A premium brand focusing on luxury sedans and SUVs.

 

8. Daimler AG (Now Mercedes-Benz Group)

1926	$157 billion (2023)

Daimler, known for its luxury and commercial vehicles, owns:

·         Mercedes-Benz – A leading luxury brand.

·         Smart – Producing compact electric city cars.

 

9. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) (Now Stellantis)

FCA, now part of Stellantis, owns:

FCA (Now Stellantis)

2014 (Merger)

$190 billion (2023)

 

·         Fiat – Known for small and stylish European cars.

·         Chrysler – Specializes in sedans and minivans.

·         Jeep – A globally recognized SUV brand.

·         Dodge – Known for muscle cars and performance vehicles.

·         Ram – Specializes in pickup trucks.

·         Alfa Romeo – An Italian luxury sports car brand.

·         Maserati – A high-performance luxury car brand.

 

10.Nissan Motor Corporation 

1933	$75 billion (2023)

Nissan is one of Japan’s top automakers and owns:

·         Nissan – Produces a wide range of vehicles.

·         Infiniti – A premium brand competing with Lexus and BMW.

·         Datsun – Revived for emerging markets, but later discontinued.

 

11. Renault Group

1899	$55 billion (2023)

 

Renault, a French automaker, owns:

·         Renault – Produces affordable and reliable vehicles.

·         Dacia – A Romanian budget car brand.

·         Alpine – A performance sports car brand.

 

12. Tata Motors

1945	$40 billion (2023)

An Indian conglomerate with a growing presence in the global market, Tata owns:

·         Tata Motors – Producing budget-friendly vehicles.

·         Jaguar – A British luxury brand.

·         Land Rover – Specializing in off-road luxury SUVs.

 

13. Honda Motor Company

1948	$140 billion (2023)

Honda is known for its reliability and innovation and owns:

·         Honda – Producing cars, motorcycles, and power equipment.

·         Acura – A premium brand competing with Lexus and BMW.

 

14. PSA Group (Now Stellantis)

1976 (PSA Merger)

Part of Stellantis

PSA, before merging with FCA to form Stellantis, owned:

·         Peugeot – A popular European brand.

·         Citroën – Known for unique and stylish cars.

·         DS Automobiles – A premium offshoot of Citroën.

·         Opel – A German car brand.

·         Vauxhall – The UK-based twin of Opel.

 

Conclusion

These 14 automotive giants control 55 brands, shaping the car industry’s future. While consumers see different badges and styling, many vehicles share platforms, technology, and engineering across brands. The consolidation of car brands allows for innovation, cost savings, and global reach. However, this also means less competition and fewer independent players.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog is based on publicly available data and may be subject to changes due to mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring in the automotive industry. Always check official sources for the latest updates.