The Ultimate Guide to the Major Automotive Groups and Their Subsidiaries

The automotive industry is one of the most diverse and dynamic sectors in the world, with many companies operating in different regions and segments, offering a variety of products and services to customers.

The global car industry is a complex and ever-changing landscape, with brands frequently changing hands or forming new partnerships. To help you keep track, here's a look at the current car manufacturer family tree, based on the article you provided:

Volkswagen Group

The Volkswagen Group is one of the largest and most diverse car manufacturers in the world, with 12 different brands under its umbrella. The group was founded in 1937 by the German government to produce a "people's car", which became the iconic Volkswagen Beetle. Since then, the group has acquired other brands, such as Audi, SEAT, Skoda, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Ducati.

The Volkswagen Group offers a wide range of vehicles, from affordable hatchbacks and sedans to luxury sports cars and motorcycles. Some of the most popular models from the Volkswagen Group include the Volkswagen Golf, the Audi A4, the SEAT Leon, the Skoda Octavia, the Bentley Continental GT, the Bugatti Chiron, the Lamborghini Huracan, the Porsche 911, and the Ducati Panigale.

Stellantis

Stellantis is a new name in the car industry, but it represents a long history of mergers and acquisitions. Stellantis was formed in 2021 by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Peugeot S.A. (PSA), creating the fourth-largest car manufacturer in the world.

Stellantis owns 14 different brands, such as Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, and Vauxhall.

Read Also: Stellantis: The Story of a Star-Studded Merger

Stellantis produces a variety of vehicles, from compact cars and SUVs to muscle cars and premium sedans. Some of the most popular models from Stellantis include the Fiat 500, the Alfa Romeo Giulia, the Jeep Wrangler, the Dodge Challenger, the Peugeot 208, and the Maserati Quattroporte.

General Motors

General Motors is an American multinational corporation that has been one of the leading car manufacturers in the world for over a century. General Motors was founded in 1908 by William C.

Read Also: General Motors: A History of Innovation and Leadership

Durant as a holding company for several car brands. General Motors currently owns four different brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC.

General Motors produces a range of vehicles, from economy cars and trucks to luxury SUVs and electric vehicles. Some of the most popular models from General Motors include the Chevrolet Spark, the Buick Enclave, the Cadillac Escalade, and the GMC Sierra.

Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational corporation that is the second-largest car manufacturer in the world by volume.

Toyota was founded in 1937 by Kiichiro Toyoda as a spin-off from his father's company Toyoda Automatic Loom Works. Toyota currently owns four different brands: Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu, and Hino Motors. Toyota is known for its reliability, quality, and innovation. Toyota produces a variety of vehicles, from compact cars and hybrids to luxury SUVs and trucks. Some of the most popular models from Toyota include the Toyota Corolla, the Lexus RX, the Daihatsu Terios, and the Hino Dutro.

Renault Group

Renault Group is a French multinational corporation that is one of the largest car manufacturers in Europe. Renault was founded in 1899 by Louis Renault as a producer of cars and engines. Renault currently owns four different brands: Renault, Alpine, Dacia, and Samsung Motors. Renault is known for its design, performance, and affordability. Renault produces a range of vehicles, from city cars and hatchbacks to sports cars and electric vehicles. Some of the most popular models from Renault include the Renault Clio, the Alpine A110, the Dacia Duster, and the Samsung SM6.

Hyundai Motor Group

Hyundai Motor Group is a South Korean conglomerate that owns three different brands: Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. Hyundai Motor Group was founded in 1967 by Chung Ju-yung as a subsidiary of his construction company Hyundai Engineering and Construction. Hyundai Motor Group started as a licensed assembler of Ford cars for the Korean market. In 1975, Hyundai launched its first own model: the Pony. In 1998, Hyundai acquired a majority stake in Kia Motors, a rival carmaker that was founded in 1944 as a manufacturer of bicycle parts. In 2015, Hyundai launched its luxury division Genesis to compete with other high-end brands such as Lexus and Audi. Hyundai Motor Group is known for its value for money, design, and technology.

Some of the most popular models from Hyundai Motor Group include the Hyundai Sonata, the Kia Sportage, the Genesis G80, and the Hyundai Ioniq.

Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is an American multinational corporation that is one of the oldest and most influential car manufacturers in the world. Ford was founded in 1903 by Henry Ford, who revolutionized the mass production of automobiles with his assembly line technique.

Ford currently owns two different brands: Ford and Lincoln. Ford is known for its performance, durability, and safety. Ford produces a range of vehicles, from economy cars and SUVs to muscle cars and trucks. Some of the most popular models from Ford include the Ford F-150, the Ford Mustang, the Ford Fiesta, and the Lincoln Navigator.

Honda Motor Company

Honda Motor Company is a Japanese multinational corporation that is one of the largest car manufacturers in the world by revenue. Honda was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda as a producer of motorcycles and engines. Honda currently owns two different brands: Honda and Acura. Honda is known for its efficiency, reliability, and innovation. Honda produces a variety of vehicles, from compact cars and motorcycles to SUVs and sports cars. Some of the most popular models from Honda include the Honda Civic, the Honda Accord, the Honda CR-V, and the Acura NSX.

BMW Group

BMW Group is a German multinational corporation that owns three different brands: BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce. BMW Group was founded in 1916 as a producer of aircraft engines and motorcycles. BMW Group entered the car industry in 1928 by acquiring the Dixi car company. BMW Group is known for its luxury, performance, and quality.

BMW Group produces a range of vehicles, from small cars and SUVs to sports cars and limousines. Some of the most popular models from BMW Group include the BMW 3 Series, the Mini Cooper, the BMW Z4, and the Rolls-Royce Phantom.

Daimler AG

Daimler AG is a German multinational corporation that owns two different brands: Mercedes-Benz and Smart. Daimler AG was founded in 1926 by the merger of two car companies: Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) and Benz & Cie.

Daimler AG is one of the most prestigious and respected car manufacturers in the world, with a history of innovation and excellence. Daimler AG produces a range of vehicles, from compact cars and vans to luxury sedans and coupes. Some of the most popular models from Daimler AG include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the Smart Fortwo, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and the Mercedes-Benz SL.

On 28 January 2022, CEO Ola Källenius announced that Daimler will be rebranded as Mercedes-Benz to pursue a higher valuation for the company as it shifts deeper into high-tech electric vehicles. On 1 February 2022, Daimler officially changed its registered company name to Mercedes-Benz Group AG.

Suzuki Motor Corporation

Suzuki Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational corporation that specializes in small cars and motorcycles. Suzuki was founded in 1909 by Michio Suzuki as a producer of looms for weaving silk. Suzuki entered the car industry in 1937 by developing prototypes for small cars. Suzuki is known for its fuel efficiency, practicality, and fun.

Suzuki produces a range of vehicles, from mini cars and scooters to SUVs and hatchbacks. Some of the most popular models from Suzuki include the Suzuki Swift, the Suzuki Alto, the Suzuki Jimny, and the Suzuki Vitara.

Mazda Motor Corporation

Mazda Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational corporation that is known for its unique and innovative engineering. Mazda was founded in 1920 by Jujiro Matsuda as a producer of machine tools. Mazda entered the car industry in 1931 by producing three-wheeled trucks.

Mazda is famous for its use of rotary engines, which offer high power output and low emissions. Mazda produces a range of vehicles, from compact cars and sedans to SUVs and sports cars. Some of the most popular models from Mazda include the Mazda3, the Mazda6, the Mazda CX-5, and the Mazda MX-5.

Tesla

Tesla is an American electric vehicle company that is revolutionizing the car industry with its cutting-edge technology and vision. Tesla was founded in 2003 by a group of engineers who wanted to prove that electric vehicles can be better than gasoline-powered ones. Tesla is named after Nikola Tesla, the inventor of alternating current and wireless power transmission. Tesla produces a range of vehicles, from sedans and SUVs to trucks and roadsters. Some of the most popular models from Tesla include the Tesla Model 3, the Tesla Model Y, the Tesla Cybertruck, and the Tesla Roadster.

Other notable brands

There are many other car manufacturers in the world that are not part of any larger group or alliance. Some of these brands are:

• Geely: A Chinese multinational automotive company that owns several brands, such as Geely Auto, Geometry, Livan, Zeekr, Volvo Cars, Polestar, Lynk & Co, Lotus, Proton, and Smart.
• Great Wall: A Chinese automotive company that specializes in SUVs and pickup trucks.
• SAIC Motor: A Chinese state-owned automotive company that owns 12 different brands, such as SAIC Motor, MG, Roewe, Maxus, Wuling, Baojun, and Rising. SAIC Motor also has joint ventures with Volkswagen and General Motors to produce and sell their vehicles in China. SAIC Motor was founded in 1955 and is the largest car manufacturer in China. SAIC Motor is known for its innovation and diversity, as it produces a wide range of vehicles, from affordable hatchbacks and sedans to luxury sports cars and electric vehicles. Some of the most popular models from SAIC Motor include the MG ZS EV, the Roewe RX5, the Maxus D90, and the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV.
• Tata Motors: An Indian multinational automotive company that is part of the Tata Group. Tata Motors owns two different brands: Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover. Tata Motors also has a joint venture with Stellantis to produce and sell their vehicles in India. Tata Motors was founded in 1945 and is the largest car manufacturer in India. Tata Motors is known for its performance, durability, and social responsibility. Tata Motors produces a range of vehicles, from compact cars and SUVs to trucks and buses. Some of the most popular models from Tata Motors include the Tata Nexon, the Tata Tiago, the Jaguar F-Type, and the Land Rover Discovery.

Credit: These 14 companies dominate the world's auto industry

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