How many car brands will there be in the world in 2024?

By 2024, it is estimated that there will be more than 200 active car brands worldwide, with a mix of traditional and emerging manufacturers specializing in electric vehicles.

Which regions have the largest number of car brands?

Asia leads with more than 80 active brands, followed by Europe with 60 brands, and America with around 40 prominent brands in the automotive industry.

What are the oldest car brands in the world?

Some of the oldest brands include Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, and Ford, which have been around for over a century and remain industry leaders.

How many car brands focus exclusively on electric vehicles?

By 2024, more than 40 brands worldwide will specialize exclusively in manufacturing electric vehicles, including Tesla, Rivian, and NIO.

What new brands have emerged in recent years?

Emerging brands such as BYD, Lucid Motors, and Polestar have recently gained popularity thanks to their focus on innovative and sustainable electric vehicles.

How many car brands are there in the world? Statistics and analysis in 2024

December 30, 2024

The automotive industry is incredibly diverse and dynamic. From global giants to artisanal manufacturers, there are hundreds of brands producing vehicles for different needs, styles, and markets. But how many car brands are there exactly in the world? Although figures may vary due to the industry's constant evolution, it is estimated that there are currently between 155 and 225 active car brands (more than 400 including sub-brands).

Below, we explore how these brands are distributed, what types exist, and the trends shaping the future of the automotive industry.

Why does the number of brands vary?

The exact number of car brands in the world is not easy to determine for several reasons:

New startupsEspecially in the electric vehicle sector, where new manufacturers are emerging every year.
Consolidation of the industryMany small brands merge or disappear, while large conglomerates, such as Stellantis (which groups 14 brands), unify production under its umbrella.
Local and artisan manufacturersThere are small brands that operate exclusively in local markets or that produce vehicles by hand in very low volumes.

For example, in China, the world's largest automotive market, there are dozens of emerging electric vehicle manufacturers that are redefining the global landscape.

Geographical distribution of brands

1. Europe

Europe is one of the most important regions in the history of the automotive industry. Here we find iconic brands ranging from budget cars to the most luxurious sports cars:

Germany: Home to giants like Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Porsche.
Italy: Recognized for its sports brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati.
United Kingdom: Stand out with premium brands such as Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin.

Europe concentrates around 150 brands and sub-brands, including local and specialized manufacturers.

2. Asia

Asia is the leading region in terms of production and diversity of manufacturers:

JapanToyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda and Mitsubishi are some of its best-known brands.
South Korea: Hyundai and Kia dominate, with Genesis as its luxury brand.
China: It is the epicenter of growth, with many of its brands focused on electric vehicles (BYD, Nio, Xpeng).

Asia is home to approximately 200 brands and sub-brands, being the most diverse and expanding region.

3. North America

North America is dominated by large traditional manufacturers and new electric vehicle brands:

USA: Ford, General Motors (Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac) and Tesla are the main ones.
Startups such as Rivian and Lucid Motors also stand out.

This region has about 50 active brands and sub-brands, focused on SUVs, pickup trucks and electric vehicles.

4. Rest of the world

Other regions also contribute unique brands to the automotive landscape:

India: Tata Motors, Mahindra and Maruti Suzuki.
South America: Some small manufacturers, such as Agrale in Brazil.

In total, these regions add up to about 30 additional brands.

Classification of brands by type

1. Generalists

They manufacture affordable vehicles geared toward the general public. Examples: Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford.

2. Premium and luxury

They specialize in high-end cars. Examples: BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Genesis.

3. Sports

They design high-performance cars. Examples: Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche.

4. Electric vehicles

They're the trend of the moment. Examples: Tesla, Rivian, Nio, Polestar.

5. Handcrafted and niche

They manufacture small-scale or customized vehicles. Examples: Koenigsegg, Caterham.

Trends that drive brand growth

Electrification:
- More than 30% of active brands They have at least one electric model in their catalogue.
- New startups in China, Europe, and the United States are focusing exclusively on this segment.
Sustainability:
- Many brands are investing in sustainable production technologies and recyclable materials to adapt to new environmental regulations.
Personalization and luxury:
- Consumers are increasingly demanding customizable options, driving the emergence of boutique brands offering exclusive vehicles.

Conclusion:

The number of active car brands in the world in 2024 is estimated between 155 and 225 (or more than 400 counting the sub-brands), with a diverse and constantly changing distribution. From long-established manufacturers in Europe to emerging startups in Asia and the Americas, the automotive landscape reflects a combination of tradition, innovation, and adaptation to modern trends such as electrification and sustainability.

Which is your favorite brand or the one you're most interested in? Leave us your comments and share this article so more people can discover the incredible variety of car brands available!

Sources:

Motorpasión: Article about how many car brands currently exist in the world. (motorpasion.com)
VialRed: Up-to-date information on car brands, including local and niche manufacturers.vialred.com)
Statista: Global automotive industry statistics, including production and brands. (statista.com)
ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association): Information on car manufacturers in Europe, production data and vehicle registration. (acea.auto)
CarSalesBase: Database on car brand sales in different regions. (carsalesbase.com)
Coach: Articles on emerging manufacturers and automotive industry trends. (autocar.co.uk)
Forbes: Articles related to the global automotive industry, especially about electric vehicles and new startups. ((forbes.com)
JATO Dynamics: Data on the global car market, including small and local manufacturers. (jato.com)
International Energy Agency (IEA): Statistics on the growth of electric vehicles and associated manufacturers. (iea.org)
China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM): Information on the Chinese automotive industry, including the number of manufacturers. (caam.org.cn)