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Top 20 Car Brands in Europe

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Europe is home to Top Car brands. Each brand has its own design, usual performance and safety record.

These car brands aim to satisfy the clientele, from small compact vehicles to big expensive machines.

Top 20 Car Brands in Europe

This article will focus on examining the top 20 car brands in Europe.

Volkswagen

  • Head Office: Wolfsburg, Germany
  • Notable Car Models:
    • Cars: Golf, Jetta, Passat, and Arteon
    • SUVs: Tiguan, Atlas, and Taos
    • Electric Vehicles: ID.4 and ID.3
    • Performance Models: Golf R and GTI
  • Core Markets in Europe: Germany, Poland, Norway, France, Italy, Spain, and the UK.
  • Production Plants:
    • Wolfsburg, Germany: It is Volkswagen’s largest production facility.
    • Zwickau, Germany: One of Volkswagen’s critical electric vehicle production hubs.
    • Emden, Germany: For the production of electric vehicles.
    • Hanover Plant: Makes Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand.
    • Bratislava, Slovakia: For producing Volkswagen’s SUVs and larger models.
    • Other Locations: Spain, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

Founded in 1937, Volkswagen is one of the oldest and most recognized car brands in Europe and worldwide. It produces many vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs, Sedans, and Electric Vehicles. This top car brand is the dominant player in Europe. Thus, it consistently ranks among the top-selling car brands in Europe. Also, Volkswagen is part of the Volkswagen Group, which includes brands like Audi, SEAT, Škoda, Bentley, Porsche, etc.

Renault

  • Head Office: Boulogne-Billancourt, France
  • Notable Car Models:
    • Cars: Clio, Megane, Talisman, and Zoe
    • SUVs: Captur, Kadjar, and Arkana
    • Electric Vehicles: Kangoo ZE & E-Tech Electric
    • Commercial Vehicles: Trafic & Master
    • Performance Models: Megane RS and Clio RS
  • Core Markets in Europe: France, Spain, Germany, Italy, the UK
  • Production Plants
    • Flins, France: Renault’s main manufacturing plant for the production of compact cars.
    • Douai, France: A key site for Renault’s electric vehicle production.
    • Maubeuge Plant France: Makes light commercial vehicles.
    • Sandouville Plant, France: For producing large vans like the Renault Trafic.
    • Batilly Plant, France: Makes Light commercial vehicles such as Renault Master.
    • Other Locations: Romania, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey.

Established in 1899, Renault is one of the oldest car brands in Europe. It is also one of Europe’s best-selling car brands, especially in its home market in France. Renault produces passenger cars, electric vehicles, and commercial cars.

Read: Top British Car Brands and Their Owners

Peugeot

  • Head Office: Paris, France
  • Notable Models:
    • Hatchbacks: 208 & 308
    • Sedans: 508
    • SUVs: 2008, 3008, and 5008
    • Electric & Hybrid: e-208, e-2008, 308 Hybrid, 3008 Hybrid, and 508 Hybrid
    • Light Commercial Vehicles: Partner & Boxer
  • Core Markets in Europe: France, Spain, Italy, Germany, the UK
    1.  
  • Production Plants:
    • Stellantis Sochaux Plant, France: One of the leading Peugeot 3008 and 5008 SUV model manufacturing sites.
    • Mulhouse Plant, France: Produces compact cars and SUVs like Peugeot 208, 308, 508, and 2008.
    • Stellantis Poissy, France: Produces small cars like 208 and 2008
    • Vigo, Spain: Makes light commercial vehicles and SUVs.
    • Hordain, France: Focuses on commercial vehicle production.
    • Other Locations: Spain, Slovakia, and Portugal.

Peugeot is part of the Stellantis Group, created from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group in 2021. Thus, it is one of the top car brands in Europe, producing cars for Peugeot and other Stellanti brands. The brand also manufactures a range of vehicles, including compact cars, EVs, sedans, SUVs, and commercial vehicles. Peugeot is one of the best-selling brands in Europe, particularly in its home market of France.

Ford

  • Head Office: Michigan, USA & Cologne, Germany (Europe)
  • Notable car Models:
    • Passenger cars: Fiesta, Focus, and Mondeo
    • SUVs & Crossovers: Puma, Kuga, Edge, EcoSport
    • Electric Vehicles: Mustang Mach-E, E-Transit
    • Performance: Fiesta ST & Focus ST
    • Commercial Vehicles: Transit, Transit Custom, Ranger, Transit Connect, and Tourneo Connect & Custom
  • Core Markets in Europe: the UK, Germany, Italy, and France
  • Production Plants:
    • Cologne, Germany: Primarily for Ford Fiesta & electric vehicle production
    • Valencia, Spain: For SUVs like the Ford Galaxy & Ford S-Max.
    • Saarlouis, Germany: Produces compact cars like the Ford Focus.
    • Craiova, Romania: Produces SUVs, commercial vehicles
    • Other Locations: Turkey and the UK.

Ford has been a critical player in the European automotive market since it began operations in Europe in 1903. It offers a range of vehicles for Europe, including compact cars, family sedans, SUVs, and commercial vehicles.

BMW

  • Head Office: Munich, Germany
  • Notable Models: 
    • Sedan: 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series
    • SUVs & Crossovers: X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7
    • Electric Vehicles: iX1, iX3, i4, iX, i7
    • Performance: M2, M3, M4, M5, X3 M, X4 M, X5, etc
    • Plug-in Hybrid: 3 Series, 5 Series, and 7 Series Plug-in Hybrid
    • GT: 6 Series Gran Turismo & 8 Series Gran Coupe
  • Core Markets in Europe: Germany, the UK, Italy, & France
  • Production Plants:
    • Munich Plant, Germany: The main manufacturing facility for BMW vehicles.
    • Dingolfing Plant, Germany: One of the largest BMW manufacturing plants, producing the BMW 5 Series, 7 Series, 8 Series and various hybrid and electric models.
    • Leipzig Plant, Germany: It concentrates on producing electric and hybrid vehicles.
    • Oxford Plant, the UK: The BMW MINI brand is produced here.

BMW is among the top car brands in Europe. The brand is notable for its premium luxury sedans, sports utility vehicles, and electric vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz

  • Head Office: Stuttgart, Germany
  • Notable Models:
    • Sedan: A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class
    • SUVs: GLA, GLB, G-Class, GLC, GLE, GLS
    • Coupes: AMG GT, C-Class, E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet
    • Electric Vehicles: EQA, EQB, EQC, EQS, EQS, EQS SUV
    • Performance Models: A45 AMG, C63 AMG, E63 AMG, GLE AMG
    • Commercial Vehicles: V-Class, Vito, Sprinter
    • Plug In Hybrid: C-Class PHEV, E-Class PHEV, and GLE PHEV
  • Core Markets in Europe: Germany, Spain, Italy, the UK, France
  • Production Plants:
    • Stuttgart Plant, Germany: This is the principal head office and one of the largest production facilities for various Mercedes-Benz models, including the C-Class and E-Class and EVs like the EQ brand (like the EQS).
    • Sindelfingen Plant, Germany: Makes luxury and luxury vehicle models, including the S-Class, S-Class Maybach and the all-electric EQS brand.
    • Rastatt Plant, Germany: Focuses on producing compact vehicles, including the A-Class, B-Class, and GLA.
    • Bremen Plant, Germany: Produces many models, including the C-Class, GLC, and EQC electric SUV.
    • Other Locations: Hungary and Spain.

Mercedes-Benz produces many vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, commercial vans and electric cars. The group is one of the top-selling premium brands in Europe, competing with BMW, Audi, and Volvo. In addition to passenger cars, Mercedes-Benz produces commercial vehicles like the Sprinter van.

Audi

  • Head Office: Ingolstadt, Germany
  • Notable Models:
    • Sedan: A1, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7
    • SUVs: Q2, Q3, Q5, Q7, Q8
    • Coupes: T Coupe and Roadster, R8, A5 Coupe and Cabriolet
    • Electric Vehicles: Q4 e-tron, Q8 e-tron, e-tron, RS e-Tron GT
    • Performance Models: RS3, RS4 Avant, RS6 Avant, RS Q3, RS Q8, etc
    • Plug In Hybrid: A4 Avant & RS Avant, and A6 Avant
  • Core Markets in Europe: Germany, France, Italy, & the UK
  • Production Plants:
    • Ingolstadt Plant, Germany: Audi’s head office and main manufacturing facility. It produces various models, including the Audi A3, A4, A5, A6, Q2, & Q5.
    • Neckarsulm Plant, Germany: Produces high-performance models such as the A6, A7, A8, R8, and Audi e-tron GT (electric sports sedan).
    • Brussels Plant, Belgium: Hub for electric vehicle production, including the Audi e-tron and e-tron GT.
    • Other locations: Spain, Slovakia, and Hungary.

Audi is a major car brand in Europe. As part of the Volkswagen Group, Audi’s European portfolio includes luxury sedans, SUVs, sports cars, and electric vehicles. Audi is also consistently ranked among Europe’s top premium car brands, alongside BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Fiat

  • Head Office: Turin, Italy
  • Notable Models: 
    • Passenger cars: 500, Panda, Tipo, 500X, 500L
    • Commercial Vehicles: Fiorino, Doblo, Ducato
  • Core Markets in Europe: Italy, France, Germany, and the UK.
  • Production Plants:
    • Mirafiori plant, Turin, Italy: Fiat’s historic production plant and one of its largest facilities. The plant produces EVs like the 500e brand.
    • Melfi plant, Italy: One of Fiat’s major manufacturing hubs that produces the Fiat 500X and Jeep Renegade.
    • Kragujevac Plant, Serbia: Produces Fiat’s small cars like Fiat 500L
    • Tychy Plant, Poland: Production of small cars like the 500 & Panda brand and electric vehicles.

Established in 1899, Fiat is a subsidiary of Stellantis NV, formed in 2021 from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the PSA Group (Peugeot, Citroen, Opel). As a European top car brand, it has a diverse portfolio of passenger and commercial vehicles.

Skoda

  • Head Office: Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic
  • Notable Models:
    • Passenger cars: Fabia, Scala, Octavia, Superb, Kamiq, Karoq, Kodiaq
    • Electric Vehicles: Enyaq iV, Octavia iV, Superb iV
    • Performance: Octavia RS and Kodiaq RS
  • Core Markets in Europe: the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Austria, and the UK.
  • Production Plants:
    • Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic: This is Škoda’s leading production site. The facility produces models like the Škoda Fabia, Octavia, Scala, and Enyaq iV (electric SUV).
    • Kvasiny, Czech Republic: Produces larger vehicles and SUVs like the Škoda Superb, Kodiaq, and Karoq brands.
    • Poznań Plant, Poland: Mainly for commercial vehicles like Škoda Karoq.
    • Other Locations: Slovakia & the Czech Republic

Skoda is another top car brand in Europe. The company has a strong presence in Europe and operates across a wide range of vehicle segments, including compact cars, SUVs, and electric vehicles. It has been part of the Volkswagen Group since 1991.

Opel

  • Head Office: Rüsselsheim, Germany
  • Notable Models:
    • Passenger Cars: Corsa & Astra
    • SUVs: Crossland, Grandland, Mokka
    • Electric Vehicles: Corsa-e, Mokka-e, Astra Plug-In Hybrid, and others
  • Commercial Vehicles: Combo Life, Vivaro, Movano
  • Core Markets in Europe: Germany, UK, France, Spain, Poland
  • Production Plants:
    • Rüsselsheim Plant Germany: The main production facility that produces compact brands like Astra and Insignia.
    • Eisenach Plant Germany: Manufactures compact car brands like Corsa & Mokka brand.
    • Zaragoza, Spain: Particularly for small car production such as Opel Corsa and Opel Crossland.
    • Gliwice, Poland: Produces light commercial vehicles, including the Opel Vivaro van.
    • Other Locations: Hungary & the UK

Opel Europe is a top car brand within the Stellantis NV automotive group, which stemmed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)and Groupe PSA in 2021. In addition, it makes passengers, SUVs, electric & light commercial vehicles. As part of the Stellantis brand, Opel operates along with the likes of Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, and Chrysler.

Citroen

  • Head Office: Saint-Ouen, France
  • Notable Models:
    • Passenger Cars: C1, C3, C4, ë-C4
    • SUVs: C3 Aircross, C5 Aircross, C5 Aircross hybrid
    • Electric Vehicles: ë-C4, C5 Aircross Hybrid, ë-SpaceTourer, Ami
    • Commercial Vehicles: ë-Berlingo Van, ë-Jumpy (ë-Dispatch), ë-Jumper (ë-Relay)
  • Core Markets in Europe: Poland, Slovakia, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Eastern Europe.
  • Production Plants:
    • Mulhouse Plant, France: Citroen’s primary production facility produces compact cars and SUVs, such as the C3, C4, and C5 Aircross.
    • Sochaux Plant, France: A production site for Citroen’s larger vehicles, particularly SUVs like the C4 & C5.
    • Madrid, Spain: Focuses on the production of light commercial vehicles such as Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner
    • Trnava, Slovakia: Produces smaller compact models like the Citroen C3.
    • Vigo, Spain, is a Strategic hub in Southern Europe for the production of the Citroen C-Elysée, Citroen C4, and the Citroen ë-Berlingo electric van.

Citroen Europe is the European arm of Citroen. This French car manufacturer is part of the Stellantis N.V. group, alongside brands like Opel, Peugeot, and Fiat. It is a prominent player in the European automotive market, known for producing small SUVs, electric vehicles, and commercial vehicles.

Toyota

  • Head Office: Toyota City, Japan & Brussels, Belgium (European operations)
  • Notable Models:
    • Passenger Cars: Yaris, Aygo X, Yaris Cross, Corolla
    • SUVs: RAV4, C-HR
    • Electric Vehicles: bZ4X & bZ3
    • Family Vehicles: Proace Verso & Proace City
    • Commercial Vehicles: Hilux & Proace
    • Performance: GR Yaris, GR Supra, GR86
  • Core Markets: Germany, France, Italy, Hungary, Greece, Spain, UK, Poland, and Turkey.
  • Production Plants:
    • Burnaston Plant, the UK: This is the main manufacturing facility in the UK, producing models such as the Toyota Corolla.
    • Valenciennes, France: site for hybrid vehicle production like the Toyota
    • Sakarya, Turkey: Manufactures the Toyota C-HR, a compact crossover SUV, and the Toyota Corolla Sedan for the European markets.
    • Other locations: Czech Republic and Poland

Established in 1937, Toyota is a top car brand operating in Europe. Toyota is an influential participant in the European automotive market, known for offering a wide range of vehicles that appeal to European consumers.

Kia

  • Head Office: Seoul, South Korea & Frankfurt, Germany. (European operations)
  • Notable Models:
    • Passenger Cars: Picanto, Rio, Ceed, Ceed Sportswagon, XCeed
    • SUVs: Stonic, Niro, Sportage, and Sorento
    • Electric Vehicles: EV6, Niro EV, EV9, Soul EV
    • Performance Models: Stinger
    • Commercial Vehicles: K2500
  • Plug In Hybrid: C-Class PHEV, E-Class PHEV, and GLE PHEV
  • Core Markets in Europe: Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.
  • Production Plants:
    • Žilina, Slovakia: Kia’s primary European manufacturing plant, which began production in 2006. It produces vital models like the Kia Sportage, Kia Ceed, and Kia Venga. This plant plays a critical role in Kia’s European operations. It makes cars not only for Europe but for other global markets as well.

Kia Europe, a South Korean automotive manufacturer Kia Corporation division, oversees the brand’s operations across the European market. This top car brand has many vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs. It is now a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group.

Hyundai

  • Head Office: Seoul, South Korea & Offenbach am Main, Germany (European operations)
  • Notable Models:
    • Passenger Cars: i10, i20, i30
    • SUVs: Bayon, Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe
    • Electric Vehicles: Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Kona Electric
    • Performance Models: i30 N
  • Commercial Vehicles: K2500
  • Core Market in Europe: Germany, France, the UK, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland.
  • Production Plants:
    • Nošovice Plant (Czech Republic): Hyundai’s main manufacturing facility in Europe, producing many vehicles for the European market. Models produced include the Hyundai i30, Tucson, and Santa Fe.
    • Izmit Plant (Turkey):Focus: Produces a range of models, including the i10 & i20, and various commercial vehicles.

Established in 1967, Hyundai is one of the largest car manufacturers in the world. It makes many vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, hybrids, and electric vehicles (EVs).

Nissan

  • Head Office: Yokohama, Japan and Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France (European operations)
  • Notable Models:
    • Passenger Cars: Qashqai, Micra, Juke, X-Trail
    • Electric Vehicles: Leaf & Ariya
    • Commercial Vehicles: NV300, NV400, Townstar
  • Core Markets in Europe: the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.
  • Production Plants:
    • Sunderland Plant (UK): The largest Nissan manufacturing facility in Europe and one of the most productive plants in the UK. Produces popular models such as the Nissan Qashqai, Juke, and Leaf.
    • Barcelona Plant (Spain): Primarily manufactures light commercial vehicles, including the Nissan NV200.
    • Cortejo Plant (Spain): Specializes in producing the Nissan Navara pickup truck

As a European top car brand, Nissan is known for producing many vehicles, including electric cars, SUVs, and light commercial vehicles.

Dacia

  • Head Office: Mioveni, Romania
  • Notable Models: 
    • Passenger Cars: Logan, Sandero, Sandero Stepway
    • SUVs: Jogger and Duster
    • Electric Vehicles: Spring & Jogger Hybrid
    • Commercial Vehicles: Duster and Jogger
  • Core Markets: Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, the UK, and France.
  • Production Plants:
    • Mioveni Plant (Romania): The main manufacturing facility for Dacia. It produces most of Dacia’s models, including the Sandero, Duster, and Logan.

Dacia is a Romanian car manufacturer established in 1966. In 1999, the brand became a subsidiary of Renault Group. Dacia offers a range of vehicles, including compact cars, SUVs, and commercial vehicles.

Volvo

  • Head Office: Gothenburg, Sweden
  • Notable Models:
    • Passenger Cars: XC40, XC60, XC90
    • Sedans: S60, S90
    • Wagons: V60, V90
    • Electric Vehicles: XC40 Recharge, EX90, EX30
  • Commercial Vehicles: 
  • Core Markets in Europe: Germany, Sweden, Norway, France, the UK, and the Netherlands.
  • Production Plants
    • Gothenburg Plant (Sweden): Volvo’s leading passenger car manufacturing plant. It produces models such as the Volvo XC60, XC90, and V60.
    • Ghent Plant (Belgium): Production: The Ghent facility produces the XC40, V40, and electric vehicles for the European market.

Founded in 1927, Volvo is a top car brand in Europe. It produces various vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric models.

Tesla

  • Headquarters: Austin, Texas, United States & Amsterdam, Netherlands (Europe)
  • Notable Models: Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, Cybertruck, Roadster
  • Core Markets in Europe: Germany, Norway, France, the UK, and the Netherlands.
  • Production Plants:
    • Gigafactory Berlin, Germany: Largely assembles the Model Y, with plans for more models in the future.

Tesla has become a significant player in the European automotive market, focusing on its electric vehicles.

Mazda

  • Head Office: Hiroshima, Japan & Leverkusen, Germany (European operations)
  • Notable Models:
    • Sedans and Hatchbacks: Mazda2 & Mazda3
    • SUVs and Crossovers: CX-5 CX-30 CX-60, and CX-80
    • Electric Vehicles: MX-30
    • Sport Cars: MX-5 Miata
  • Core Markets in Europe: Germany, the UK, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain.
  • Production Plants:
    • Hiroshima Plant (Japan): It is Mazda’s critical manufacturing facility for producing various models, including the Mazda3 and Mazda6. Vehicles produced here are exported globally, including to European markets.
    • Mazda Motor Manufacturing Plant (UK): This plant produces models like the Mazda CX-5 and Mazda 2 for the European market.

Mazda is a Japanese car manufacturer known for its compact cars, sedans, and SUVs. Founded in 1920, Mazda has gained a strong presence in the European automotive market, appealing to consumers with its stylish, efficient, and fun-to-drive vehicles.

Seat

  • Head Office: Martorell, Catalonia, Spain
  • Notable Models: 
    • Passenger Cars: Ibiza, Leon, and Arona
    • SUVs and Crossovers: Ateca & Tarraco
    • Electric Vehicles: Mii Electric & Leon e-HYBRID
  • Core Markets in Europe: Germany, the UK, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain.
  • Production Plants:
    • Martorell Plant: SEAT’s main manufacturing facility that produces most of its vehicles, including the SEAT Ibiza, SEAT Leon, and SEAT Arona.
    • Landaben Plant: manufactures the SEAT Ibiza and other models.

SEAT SA is a Spanish car manufacturer. Founded in 1950, it is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. SEAT also offers various vehicles, including compact cars, sedans, SUVs, and electric models.

Notable Mentions: Cupra, Suzuki, Mini, & Land Rover.

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