Did you know that Toyota sold over 10.5 million cars around the world in 2021?
The auto industry is one of the most dominant sectors of the world economy. This has led to top car manufacturer's countries leveraging global sales to boost their local economies.
While German cars are still the most popular cars in the world, Toyota has managed to secure the number one spot for a decade now. However, there are a few different categories of cars in the market, with each of these categories having its own leading brand.
Interested in learning more about the best car company in the world? You’re in the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about the top car manufacturers in the world.
Who Is the Biggest Car Manufacturer in the World?
The auto industry is made up of hundreds of world-class companies. If you’re looking at car manufacturers country-wise, a few names always float to the top of the list. These are Germany, Japan, and the United States.
However, when asking the question of which is the largest car manufacturer in the world, it’s important to understand that there isn’t one answer. Toyota might sell the most cars, but Mercedes-Benz in Germany makes more profit than anyone else. To throw another spanner in the works, Tesla sells a fraction of the number of cars but is more valuable than both of those companies put together.
Who Sells the Most Cars in the World?
Millions of cars are sold every year. With car companies extending their product lines every quarter, consumers are spoilt for choice. If you’re looking for the world's best car company, here are the best car manufacturers by country-wide and international sales.
3. General Motors – 6.3 Million
The leading manufacturer in the United States was General Motors. This giant of the auto industry managed to edge out Stellantis to secure the top spot in the United States. GM was dethroned by Toyota for local sales but still managed to sell new and used cars internationally.
General Motors includes a number of iconic brands such as Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac. These brands are perfectly aligned to serve almost every segment of the market. Whether you’re looking for a small hatchback or a classy sedan, GM has it all.
2. Volkswagen – 8.5 Million
Volkswagen comes in second with over 8.5 million cars sold in 2021. This is an impressive number but is over 5% down from its sales in 2020. While many may not know this, Volkswagen is one of the most diversified auto companies in the world.
The Volkswagen Group owns a number of premium car brands such as Porsche, Lamborghini, Audi, Bentley, Cupra, SEAT, Skoda, and even Bugatti. Volkswagen makes use of this group structure to share technology and lower development costs for its cars.
For example, the Lamborghini Urus looks vastly different from any other SUV on the market. However, the entire car is built on the Audi Q8 platform. These two SUVs share an engine, engine management system, infotainment software, and various sensors and driving aids.
This helps the company develop a wider range of vehicles under completely different brands while keeping costs under control.
1. Toyota - 10.5 Million
With over 10 million cars sold in 2021, Toyota is the most dominant auto brand in the world. The Toyota Motor Group may not be the most valuable on the stock exchange, but it’s definitely a money-printing machine.
The Toyota Motor Group designs and manufactures a few Japanese brands. This includes Toyota but also fits Lexus, Daihatsu, and Ranz under the same umbrella. The Japanese automaker also holds a significant stake of 20% in Subaru, 5.1% in Mazda, 4.9% in Suzuki, 4.6% in Isuzu, and 3.8% in the Yamaha Motor Corporation.
This has made the Toyota Motor Group the largest company in Japan and one of the largest companies in the world by revenue. Bringing in over $250 billion in 2021, Toyota has managed to produce over 200 million cars in its lifetime.
Which Is the No. 1 Car Brand in World?
As mentioned above, dominating the auto industry means something different to every company. While some target sales and profit, others set their sights on building exclusive brands. Here’s a quick guide to some of the leaders in each sub-category within the auto industry.
For Luxury
If you’re looking for luxury, you can’t look past Mercedes-Benz. The German brand prides itself on producing some of the classiest cars on the market. With multiple models available in every segment, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
For Performance
When it comes to performance, there aren’t many companies that can compete with Italian supercars. Home to both Ferrari and Lamborghini, Italy dominates the supercar segment of the market. With modern models embracing hybrid and electric technology, their dominance is set to continue into the future.
For Safety
While some may look for speed or comfort, others prioritize safety over everything else. In this department, no car brand comes close to Volvo. The Swedish car company has regularly secured the top spot as one of the safest car companies in the world.
Ship From Top Car Manufacturers Countries
The auto industry is one of the largest sectors in the global economy. With modern electric car companies joining the ranks, things are due for a global shake-up. In the meantime, the top car manufacturers countries remain Germany with Volkswagen, Japan with Toyota, and the United States with General Motors.
Whether you want to bring your car with you or ship your dream car to you, Nexus Auto Transport can make it happen. If you have any car shipping questions or want to learn more about how we can help, feel free to contact us today.
