Did you know that the combined market cap of the 10 top car companies in the world is a staggering $1.841 trillion?!
Moreover, the global automotive industry is expected to grow from $4,359.98 billion in 2024 to an impressive $6,678.28 billion by 2032. With a growth rate of 5.66% annually, the industry is accelerating faster than ever!
In this dynamic landscape, the top 10 car companies in the world are leading the charge with innovative designs, sustainable practices, and cutting-edge technology. From electric vehicles to autonomous driving, these companies are shaping the future of transportation.
So let’s take a look at the top players in the automobile industry and how they are driving the market forward.
List Of The 10 Top Car Companies In The World In 2025
| Car Companies | Revenue TTM | Market Cap 2025 |
| Volkswagen | $354.86 Billion | $51.06 Billion |
| Toyota | $312.28 Billion | $249.17 Billion |
| General Motors | $187.44 Billion | $47.69 Billion |
| Ford | $182.74 Billion | $36.70 Billion |
| BMW | $162.84 Billion | $50.39 Billion |
| Mercedes-Benz | $161.20 Billion | $57.96 Billion |
| Honda | $145.46 Billion | $42.63 Billion |
| Hyundai | $127.81 Billion | $35.54 Billion |
| Stellantis | $101.32 Billion | $37.35 Billion |
| Tesla | $97.69 Billion | $1.204 Trillion |
1. Volkswagen
- Founded in: 1937
- Founder: Ferdinand Porsche
- Headquarters: Wolfsburg, Germany
- Revenue: $354.86 Billion
- Market Cap: $51.06 Billion
The Volkswagen Group is the world’s top automaker and the largest carmaker in the world and Europe. It also owns the most diverse range of car brands in the world. Here’s how its brands are grouped:
- Core brands: Volkswagen, Škoda, SEAT/CUPRA
- Progressive brands: Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Ducati
- Sport & Luxury: Porsche
Beyond its brands, Volkswagen has a massive global presence. It runs 114 production facilities across 27 countries and employs 684,000 people worldwide. Additionally, in 2023, Volkswagen delivered an impressive 9.2 million vehicles.
Financially, the company remains strong, reporting a $354.86 billion (TTM) revenue in its latest report. This makes Volkswagen the top car company in the world by revenue.
2. Toyota
- Founded in: 1937
- Founder: Kiichiro Toyoda
- Headquarters: Toyota, Aichi, Japan
- Revenue: $312.28 Billion
- Market Cap: $249.17 Billion
Toyota Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational automotive company and one of the world’s largest car manufacturers. Moreover, the company is known for its innovation, quality, and efficiency in vehicle production.
Toyota operates under four brands:
- Toyota – Its core brand, producing a wide range of vehicles from sedans to hybrids.
- Lexus – The luxury division, offering premium models.
- Daihatsu – Specializing in compact and affordable cars.
- Hino – Focused on commercial trucks and buses.
Toyota has a massive production and research network. It runs 16 production sites in Japan alone and operates 19 R&D centers across Japan, North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
In 2024, Toyota’s worldwide production reached 10,615,000 units, reinforcing its dominance in the industry. Financially, the company reported a $312.28 billion revenue, showcasing its continued growth.
3. General Motors
- Founded in: 1908
- Founders: Charles Stewart Mott, William C. Durant
- Headquarters: Detroit, Michigan, US
- Revenue: $187.44 Billion
- Market Cap: $47.69 Billion
General Motors (GM) is an American multinational automotive company headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. GM is also one of the largest automakers in the world, known for innovation, manufacturing strength, and a strong presence in the U.S. market.
GM owns four major vehicle brands:
- Chevrolet – A wide range of cars, trucks, and SUVs.
- Buick – Premium vehicles with a focus on comfort and design.
- GMC – Specializing in trucks and SUVs.
- Cadillac – A luxury brand known for high-end performance and innovation.
The company is also leading advancements in electrification, vehicle safety, and autonomous driving, aiming for a future of sustainable and smart mobility. With 165,000+ employees worldwide, GM continues to shape the global automotive industry.
Beyond its operations, GM makes a significant economic impact. In 2022, it directly contributed $39.2 billion to the U.S. GDP, nearly one-quarter of all GDP generated by American car manufacturers. Additionally, GM reportedly has a $187.44 billion revenue (TTM).
4. Ford
- Founded in: 1903
- Founder: Henry Ford
- Headquarters: Michigan, US
- Revenue: $182.74 Billion
- Market Cap: $36.70 Billion
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker, and one of the largest and oldest car manufacturers in the world. Ford revolutionized the automobile industry by introducing the assembly line, which greatly reduced production costs and made cars more affordable to the masses.
Additionally, Ford Motor Company employs 186,000 people worldwide and has operations in over 125 countries.
Ford produces vehicles under several brands, with its main focus on:
- Ford – A wide range of cars, trucks, SUVs, and electric vehicles.
- Lincoln – A luxury vehicle division offering high-end cars and SUVs.
Recently, the company announced its building an automotive manufacturing ecosystem in Tennessee, called BlueOval™ City, which is set to play a key role in the production of electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries. This is Ford’s most ambitious project and is leading the electric revolution.
In terms of financial strength, Ford continues to thrive, with a TTM revenue of $182.74 billion.
5. BMW
- Founded in: 1916
- Founders: Karl Rapp, Gustav Otto, Camillo Castiglioni, Franz Josef Popp
- Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany.
- Revenue: $162.84 Billion
- Market Cap: $50.39 Billion
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is a German multinational company known for producing luxury vehicles and motorcycles. Today, BMW is a global leader in premium automobiles, with four major brands under its umbrella:
- BMW – Renowned for luxury vehicles and performance.
- MINI – A distinctive, compact car brand.
- Rolls-Royce – High-end luxury vehicles.
- BMW Motorrad – Specializing in premium motorcycles.
In 2024, the BMW Group sold over 2.45 million passenger vehicles. Additionally, the company’s workforce is made up of 154,950 employees (as of the end of 2023). BMW operates 13 production plants globally, along with facilities in the UK, India, and China.
With a revenue of $162.84 billion, the BMW Group operates a vast production network, consisting of over 30 production sites worldwide. The company has a sales presence in more than 140 countries, ensuring its global reach and becoming one of the top 10 automobile companies in world.
6. Mercedes-Benz
- Founded in: 1926
- Founders: Karl Benz, Gottlieb Daimler, Wilhelm Maybach and Emil Jellinek
- Headquarters: Stuttgart, Germany
- Revenue: $161.20 Billion
- Market Cap: $57.96 Billion
Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automobile manufacturer, renowned for its high-quality vehicles, innovation, and performance. With a history dating back to the early 1900s, Mercedes-Benz has long been a symbol of luxury, engineering excellence, and cutting-edge technology in the automotive industry.
The company operates through two main business units:
- Mercedes-Benz AG – Responsible for vehicle production and sales.
- Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG – Focuses on financial services and mobility solutions.
Mercedes-Benz has a strong global presence, with a workforce of 56,000 employees involved in its worldwide production network. This network includes 7 major vehicle plants, 8 powertrain plants, and 6 van plants.
In terms of financial performance, Mercedes-Benz reported a revenue of $161.20 billion, reflecting its continued leadership in the premium automotive market.
7. Honda
- Founded in: 1948
- Founders: Soichiro Honda, Takeo Fujisawa
- Headquarters: Minato, Tokyo, Japan
- Revenue: $145.46 Billion
- Market Cap: $42.63 Billion
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is a Japanese multinational conglomerate best known for manufacturing automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing reliable, efficient, and innovative vehicles. Today, Honda is one of the most respected, and the biggest automaker in the world.
Honda operates under its main brand, with several notable global models:
- JAZZ/FIT – A compact, fuel-efficient car.
- CIVIC – A popular sedan known for its performance and reliability.
- ACCORD – A mid-size sedan that has become a symbol of Honda’s engineering excellence.
- HR-V/VEZEL – A compact crossover.
- CR-V – A leading compact SUV known for its practicality and features.
- HR-V/ZR-V – A new-generation crossover.
In 2024, Honda sold a total of 26.74 million units globally, with 4.10 million units coming from automobiles. The company reported a revenue of $145.46 billion, continuing its legacy as a global automotive powerhouse.
8. Hyundai
- Founded in: 1967
- Founder: Chung Ju-yung
- Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
- Revenue: $127.81 Billion
- Market Cap: $35.54 Billion
Hyundai Motor Company is a South Korean multinational automotive manufacturer known for producing reliable vehicles with advanced technology and modern designs.
Hyundai operates under its main brand, offering a wide range of models, including:
- Cars – Affordable and stylish sedans and hatchbacks.
- Eco – Environmentally friendly vehicles, including hybrids and electric cars.
- SUV – A diverse lineup of compact to large SUVs.
- N – High-performance models with sporty features.
- N Line – Sporty trims of standard Hyundai models.
- MPV – Multi-purpose vehicles designed for family use.
- Commercial – Vehicles for business and utility purposes.
- Truck & Bus – Heavy-duty vehicles for industrial and public transportation.
- CV Hydrogen – Hyundai’s hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles.
Hyundai has a robust global manufacturing network, with production facilities in Japan, Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia, and Oceania. Additionally, the company has 19 R&D facilities to continue driving innovation in the automotive industry.
Hyundai Motor Company reported a revenue of $127.81 billion, reflecting its strong position in the global automotive market.
9. Stellantis
- Founded in: 2021
- Headquarters: Hoofddorp, Netherlands
- Revenue: $101.32 Billion
- Market Cap: $37.35 Billion
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing company formed in 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group. Moreover, Stellantis is one of the world’s largest automakers, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and shaping the future of mobility.
Stellantis operates with a portfolio of 14 iconic brands, including Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep®, Lancia, Peugeot, and more. In addition, Stellantis has two mobility arms: Free2move and Leasys.
The company is also leading in various technologies, including:
- Electrification – Pioneering electric vehicle solutions.
- Intelligent Vehicles – Implementing smart, connected vehicle technology.
- Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology – Developing clean energy solutions for the future.
- Autonomous Driving – Advancing self-driving technology to redefine mobility.
With a workforce that spans over 160 nationalities, Stellantis has industrial operations in more than 30 countries and serves customers in over 130 markets worldwide. In 2024, Stellantis reported a revenue of $101.32 billion, solidifying its position as a global leader in the automotive industry.
10. Tesla
- Founded in: 2003
- Founders: Elon Musk, Martin Eberhard, Marc Tarpenning, JB Straubel, Ian Wright
- Headquarters: Austin, Texas, United States
- Revenue: $97.69 Billion
- Market Cap: $1.204 Trillion
Tesla, founded by Elon Musk, is an American electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer that has transformed the automotive industry. Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy and become the biggest car company in the world.
Tesla’s vehicle lineup includes several highly popular models:
- Model S – A luxury electric sedan with advanced technology and performance.
- Model 3 – A more affordable electric sedan, known for its range and efficiency.
- Model Y – A compact electric SUV, offering versatility and space.
- New Model Y – The next-generation version, with upgraded features.
- Model X – A luxury electric SUV with distinctive falcon-wing doors and high performance.
- Cybertruck – Tesla’s electric pickup truck, designed for durability and off-road capabilities.
Tesla operates with 30 million+ ft² of factory space globally and employs over 70,000 people across 3 continents. As of 2024, the company reported a revenue of $97.69 billion, solidifying its leadership in the electric vehicle and clean energy sectors.
We’ve now reached the end of our list! Now let’s take a closer look at some expert insights on what makes these companies rank as the Top 10 Car Companies in the World.
Expert Takeaways On The List Of The Top 10 Car Companies
| Global Reach & Manufacturing | Most top companies, like Volkswagen and Toyota, have extensive manufacturing networks. Volkswagen runs 114 facilities across 27 countries, while Toyota operates 16 production sites in Japan alone. |
| Diversity in Product Line | Brands such as Stellantis and Volkswagen stand out with their extensive brand portfolios. Stellantis manages 14 brands, while Volkswagen owns a diverse range from Audi to Bentley. |
| Innovation Drives Growth | Companies like Tesla and Stellantis are at the forefront of electrification, autonomous driving, and hydrogen fuel technology, shaping the future of mobility. |
| Sustainability Focus | Companies like Honda, Hyundai, and Stellantis are increasingly focusing on sustainability, with significant investments in electric vehicles (EVs) and clean energy solutions. |
| R&D Investments | Hyundai leads with 19 R&D centers, while Toyota and Stellantis also invest heavily in research, driving technological advancements and innovation. |
| Luxury and Performance | Companies like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche dominate the luxury segment, with premium offerings and a focus on performance and cutting-edge tech. |
FAQ
- What was the first car brand in the world?
Ans: Peugeot is a French car brand that operates under Stellantis. Its origins trace back to 1810, when the Peugeot family established their business, making it the oldest existing automobile company in the world.
- Who are the big 3 car companies?
Ans: The Big Three car companies refer to General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis (formerly Chrysler). They earned this title because they dominated the U.S. automotive industry for most of the 20th century, producing the highest number of vehicles and employing a massive workforce.
- Which was the first car in the world?
Ans: The Benz Patent-Motorwagen, built by Karl Benz in 1885, is considered the first modern car. It was patented in 1886 and later showcased to the public.
Also Read: Why Auto Makers are going All Electric ?
