The global automotive industry is changing, thanks to the rise of electric vehicles and the ongoing effects of digital transformation. As automotive manufacturers adapt and evolve, we wanted to highlight the iconic companies that are embracing technological development whilst maintaining premium quality and a clear brand identity.
The popularity and purchase rates of automotive manufacturers' vehicles indicate their success and prospective movement into new markets. With that said, here are our top ten automotive companies ranked by revenue.
10: BYD Auto Co
BYD Company, with its automotive subsidiary BYD Auto Co., Ltd. is a publicly listed Chinese multinational manufacturer. Known for manufacturing electric buses and trucks, passenger battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, the company is boosting EV development both nationally and internationally.
Founded in 1995, BYD has grown at an accelerated speed over the last 29 years, establishing over 30 industrial parks across 6 continents.
Revenue: US$4.23Bn
09: Hyundai Motor Company
The Hyundai Motor Company, frequently referred to as Hyundai Motors is a South Korean multinational automotive manufacturer founded in 1967. The company operates the world's largest integrated automobile manufacturing facility in Ulsan, South Korea which has an annual production capacity of 1.6 million units.
Hyundai vehicles are renowned for their high- quality and affordability, with the company ramping up recent investment in hydrogen and electric fuel cell technology. Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, Hyundai vehicles are sold in 193 countries through 5,000 dealerships and showrooms.
Revenue: US$11.3 bn
08: Nissan Motor Co
Nissan, also known as Nissan Motor Co, is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer known for technological development and creative design. Since its inception in 1933, Nissan has been passionate about creating products and furthering advancement based on the spirit of ‘Do what others don't dare to do’.
The company, headquartered in Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan sells vehicles under the Infiniti and Nissan brands, with in-house performance tuning products under its Nismo and Autech brands.
Revenue: US$21.135Bn
07: Honda Motor Co
Honda Motor Co. is a Japanese public multinational manufacturer of automobiles, battery-powered equipment and motorcycles. Honda is particularly known for its motorcycles, holding the title of the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959.
The company is also the world’s largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines, producing more than 14 million each year. Since 2001, Honda has been the second-largest Japanese automobile manufacturer and in 2015 became the eighth-largest automobile manufacturer in the world.
Revenue: US$136.43Bn
06: Mercedes-Benz Group AG (formerly Daimler AG)
The Mercedes-Benz Group AG is one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, by unit sales being classified as the tenth-largest in the world. Last year the company was ranked 42nd in the Forbes Global 2000 and continues to hold a position as one of the most celebrated car manufacturers.
Known for luxury vehicles and innovative technology, Mercedes-Benz was formed via a merger between Benz & Cie., the world's oldest car company, and Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft in 1926. The company is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.
Revenue: US$166.57Bn
05: General Motors (GM)
General Motors (GM) a global American multinational automotive manufacturer operates plants in eight countries and is renowned for four iconic brands: GMC, Cadillac, Buick and Chevrolet. It was the largest automaker in the world for seventy-seven years before losing the spot to Toyota in 2008.
GM also owns the BrightDrop delivery vehicle manufacturer, which as part of a defence vehicles division manufactures military vehicles for the US government and military, the auto parts company ACDelco and information services provider OnStar, whilst holding majority ownership in Cruise LLC, a self-driving car enterprise.
GM is on its way to an all-electric future, rapidly expanding its EV investment as part of building a zero-emissions future. Between 2020 and 2025, GM plans to invest US$35bn in AV and EV product development spending, far higher than its existing spending on gas and diesel.
GM also plans to create two new assembly plants in Tennessee called Spring Hill and Factory ZERO dedicated to electric vehicle production that will generate thousands of new, high-paying jobs on US soil.
Revenue: US$171.8bn
04: Ford Motor Company
Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan in the US, Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automobile manufacturer famous for its stylish, timeless vehicle design and commitment to technological advancement.
Ford, founded by Henry Ford in 1903, describes itself as a family company, one which spans the globe and has shared ideals of excellence. The company, celebrated for its recent advancements in autonomous vehicles, sells luxury vehicles under its Lincoln brand, and commercial vehicles under the Ford brand.
Revenue: US$176.2Bn
03: Stellantis N.V.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturer that sells under fourteen diverse and respected brands. These include Chrysler, Dodge, DS, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Ram, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Abarth, Alfa Romeo and Citroën.
Formed in 2021 due to a merger between the Italian–American conglomerate Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the French PSA Group, Stellantis is headquartered in Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
Revenue: US$206.04Bn
02: Toyota Motor Corporation
Toyota Motor Corporation is the largest automobile manufacturer in the world, producing about 10 million vehicles per year. Founded by Kiichiro Toyoda and incorporated on August 28, 1937, the manufacturer is headquartered in Aichi, Japan.
Since 2024, Toyota has been producing vehicles under four core brands: Toyota, Lexus, Hino and Daihatsu. Renowned for their durability, reliability and technological sophistication, Toyota is a popular consumer choice for modern automobiles.
Revenue: US$274.942Bn
01: Volkswagen Group
Volkswagen AG, known internationally as the Volkswagen Group, is a German public multinational conglomerate manufacturer of commercial and passenger vehicles, engines, turbomachinery and motorcycles.
Volkswagen AG ranked 29th in Forbes Global 2000 last year, having maintained the largest share of the European automotive manufacturing market for over two decades. Known for its iconic, durable, high-performance brands Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini and Volkswagen, the company operates in roughly 150 countries.
Revenue: US$350.43Bn
And that’s our top ten automotive companies. These manufacturers maintain their popularity due to the premium- quality and iconic design of their vehicles, along with their ability to be adaptable and pursue new technologies and markets as they grow.
One area where we are sure to see further growth in popularity is electric vehicles, due to growing concerns over sustainability, a future that brands like BYD and GM are already building towards.
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