The Complete List of Modern Car Brands

From city streets to international showrooms, the car world keeps shifting as new technology and markets reshape what’s available. A concise reference helps you see which names are active and how they relate across regions and corporate groups.

There are 73 Modern Car Brands, ranging from Acura to Xpeng; for each, Country,Founded (year),Ownership/Parent are listed — you’ll find below.

How current is this list of brands?

The list reflects brands active at the time it was compiled; because startups launch and brands merge or retire, check manufacturer press releases or trusted industry sites for the very latest changes.

How can I use the Country, Founded (year), and Ownership/Parent columns to compare brands?

Copy the table into a spreadsheet to sort or filter by country, founding date, or corporate parent—this makes it easy to spot regional concentrations, older versus newer marques, and which companies control multiple labels.

Modern Car Brands

Images and Descriptions

Toyota

One of the world’s largest automakers, Toyota is known for reliable passenger cars, SUVs, and hybrids. Notable models include the Corolla, Camry, and Prius. Pioneered mass-market hybrid technology and focuses on efficiency, durability, and broad global dealer networks.

Volkswagen

Major global automaker offering everything from economy cars to premium models. Notable models include the Golf, Passat, and ID electric range. Recognized for volume sales, engineering breadth, and a multi-brand group structure across segments and regions.

Ford

Historic American brand producing cars, SUVs, trucks, and commercial vehicles. Iconic models include the F-150, Mustang, and Explorer. Known for mass-market appeal, strong truck heritage, and recent EV push with Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning.

Honda

Renowned for reliable compact cars, motorcycles, and engines. Notable models include the Civic, Accord, and CR-V. Combines fuel-efficient ICE tech with hybrids and upcoming EVs; respected for engineering, resale value, and global manufacturing footprint.

Chevrolet

GM’s mainstream American marque offering cars, SUVs, and trucks like the Silverado, Equinox, and Corvette. Known for broad North American lineup, performance muscle cars, and expanding EV options including the Bolt and upcoming electric Silverado.

Nissan

Global automaker known for mainstream cars and EV leadership with the Leaf. Notable models include the Altima, Rogue, and GT-R. Offers a diverse lineup across price points and markets, investing in EVs and e-Power hybrid tech.

Hyundai

Rapidly grown global brand producing competitive sedans, SUVs, and EVs. Popular models include the Sonata, Tucson, and Ioniq EV family. Notable for value-packed features, strong warranty programs, and aggressive EV and mobility investments.

Kia

Value-oriented global brand offering modern design, SUVs, and electric models like the EV6. Known for stylish cabins, long warranties, and dramatic quality improvements over two decades. Integral part of Hyundai Motor Group.

BMW

Premium German brand focused on sporty, driver-focused luxury cars and SUVs. Notable models include the 3 Series, X5, and i4. Known for performance, engineering, and a strong brand identity centered on driving dynamics.

Mercedes-Benz

Premier luxury automaker offering sedans, SUVs, and performance AMG variants. Iconic models include the C-Class, S-Class, and GLE. Synonymous with luxury, technology, and safety innovation; expanding electric EQ lineups.

Audi

Premium German marque known for quattro AWD, refined interiors, and tech-forward cabins. Notable models include the A4, Q5, and e-tron family. Combines sporty handling with understated luxury and electrification plans.

Subaru

Specializes in AWD passenger cars and SUVs with boxer engines. Popular models include the Outback, Forester, and Impreza. Known for safety, practicality, and strong enthusiast and rural-market appeal.

Mazda

Japanese brand blending driving enjoyment with efficiency and design; notable models include the Mazda3, CX-5, and MX-5 Miata. Known for lightweight dynamics, premium-feel interiors, and Skyactiv engineering.

Tesla

EV pioneer focused on long-range electric sedans, SUVs, and energy integration. Key models include the Model S, 3, X, and Y. Noted for range, software updates, and Supercharger network; major influence on industry EV adoption.

Renault

French automaker offering compact cars, vans, and EVs like the Zoe. Notable models include Clio and Captur. Known for affordability, urban mobility solutions, and alliance partnerships shaping global production.

Peugeot

Historic French marque within Stellantis offering stylish compact cars and SUVs, like the 208 and 3008. Recognized for European market presence, evolving design language, and competitive small-car offerings.

Fiat

Italian brand known for small city cars and iconic models like the 500 and Panda. Emphasizes compact urban mobility, retro styling, and affordability across European markets, now moving into electrified small cars.

Opel

Mainstream European brand producing compact cars and SUVs like the Astra and Crossland. Known for pragmatic engineering, value offerings, and long presence in European fleets and retail markets.

Citroën

French brand known for comfort-focused designs and quirky styling. Popular models include the C3 and C5 Aircross. Historically innovative in suspension comfort and now expanding EV and family-friendly SUVs.

Skoda

Affordable, practical brand offering roomy cars and SUVs like the Octavia and Kodiaq. Known for value, space, and strong European reputation as a sensible alternative to mainstream premium marques.

SEAT

Spanish brand producing sporty compact cars and SUVs such as the Leon and Ateca. Blends youthful design, performance variants (Cupra spun out as a performance brand), and Volkswagen Group engineering.

Jaguar

British luxury marque offering sedans and SUVs like the XE and F-Pace. Known for blend of performance and refinement, now electrifying lineup with I-Pace and forthcoming electric models under Tata ownership.

Land Rover

Premium British SUV specialist renowned for off-road capability and luxury interiors; Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery are flagship models. Balances rugged engineering with high-end comfort and strong global demand.

Rolls-Royce

Ultra-luxury British marque producing handcrafted limousines and SUVs like the Phantom and Cullinan. Represents bespoke luxury, opulent materials, and personalized commissions for affluent buyers worldwide.

Bentley

Handbuilt British luxury performance cars and SUVs such as Continental GT and Bentayga. Combines grand touring performance with handcrafted interiors and bespoke options for high-end clientele.

Lamborghini

Italian supercar maker producing high-performance exotic cars like the Huracán and Aventador. Known for dramatic design, V10/V12 performance, and halo-brand status in the luxury sports car market.

Ferrari

Iconic Italian sports car manufacturer building high-performance road cars and racing pedigree models like the 488 and SF series. Known for V8/V12 engines, exclusivity, and strong motorsport heritage.

Maserati

Italian luxury and performance brand offering sedans and SUVs such as the Ghibli and Levante. Known for distinctive exhaust notes, Italian styling and a move toward electrified powertrains.

Aston Martin

British luxury sports car maker known for GT cars like the DB11 and Vantage, and bespoke hypercars. Noted for British craftsmanship, styling, and premium brand collaborations.

McLaren

Specialist British maker of high-performance sports and supercars like the 720S and Artura. Known for carbon-fiber monocoques, track-focused engineering, and Formula 1-linked technology transfer.

Bugatti

Ultra-exotic hypercar maker famed for unparalleled speed and engineering feats; recent models include the Chiron and Bolide. Now part of Bugatti Rimac focusing on extreme performance and exclusivity.

Pagani

Boutique Italian hypercar builder producing limited-run, hand-crafted supercars like the Zonda and Huayra. Celebrated for artisan construction, bespoke details, and extreme performance at low volumes.

Polestar

Performance EV brand spun out of Volvo focusing on premium electric cars like the Polestar 2. Emphasizes minimalist Scandinavian design, sustainability, and connected software-driven user experience.

Volvo

Swedish safety-focused brand producing sedans, wagons, and SUVs like the XC90 and S60. Known for safety innovation, Scandinavian design, and a transition toward electrified and hybrid powertrains.

Lotus

Lightweight British sports car maker known for agility and driver-focused dynamics. Models include the Elise, Emira, and Emeya EV. Moving into premium EVs while retaining sports-car DNA.

Suzuki

Japanese manufacturer known for compact cars, crossovers, and motorcycles; models like Swift and Jimny are popular. Focus on small, efficient vehicles and strong markets in Asia and Europe.

Mitsubishi

Offers SUVs and electrified vehicles like the Outlander and Eclipse Cross. Known for durable AWD systems, affordable crossovers, and a strategic alliance with Renault–Nissan for global reach.

Isuzu

Specializes in commercial vehicles, diesel engines, and trucks; also offers SUVs in select markets. Renowned for robust diesel engineering, heavy-duty trucks, and global commercial vehicle expertise.

Tata

India’s major automaker producing passenger cars and trucks; models like the Nexon, Harrier, and Tiago are notable. Known for affordability, local market dominance, and expanding global ambitions after Jaguar Land Rover acquisition.

Mahindra

Indian manufacturer known for SUVs, pickups, and tractors. Popular models include the Thar and Scorpio. Recognized for rugged vehicles tailored to emerging markets and increasing EV and SUV offerings.

Maruti

India’s largest car seller offering affordable compact cars like the Alto, Swift, and Baleno. Jointly managed with Suzuki; dominates Indian passenger car market with widespread dealer network and localized models.

Proton

Malaysian automaker producing compact cars and SUVs, revived with Geely partnership. Notable models include the X70 and Persona. Focused on ASEAN markets and improved quality under new investment.

Perodua

Malaysia’s top-selling brand specializing in affordable compact cars and MPVs. Known for fuel-efficient small vehicles like the Myvi and Axia tailored to local consumers and high domestic market share.

VinFast

Vietnamese automaker rapidly expanding into EVs and global markets with models like VF series SUVs. Known for aggressive overseas ambitions, vertical manufacturing, and pivot from ICE to all-electric vehicle lineups.

Rivian

EV startup focused on electric pickup trucks and SUVs such as the R1T and R1S, plus commercial vans for Amazon. Known for adventure-oriented EVs, robust battery ranges, and off-road capability.

Lucid

Luxury EV maker known for high-range sedans like the Lucid Air. Focuses on efficiency, premium interiors, and advanced battery technology, competing at the high end of the electric luxury segment.

NIO

Chinese EV maker specializing in premium electric SUVs and sedans, plus battery swap tech. Popular models include the ES8 and ET7. Known for subscription battery services and strong domestic market presence.

Xpeng

Chinese EV manufacturer offering smart electric sedans and SUVs like the P7 and G9. Focuses on autonomous features, in-house software, and competitive value in China and select export markets.

Li Auto

Known for range-extended electric SUVs combining combustion range extenders with large battery packs; popular models include the L-series. Targets family SUVs with extended range practicality in Chinese markets.

BYD

Largest EV seller globally by volume, BYD produces a broad range of electric cars, buses, and batteries. Notable passenger models include Han, Tang, and Atto 3. Vertical integration across EV value chain.

Geely

Major Chinese automaker owning Volvo, Lotus, and others, producing cars under multiple brands including Geely and Lynk & Co. Known for rapid international expansion, acquisitions, and diversified product range.

Haval

SUV-focused Chinese brand offering models like H6 and Jolion. Positioned as mass-market SUV specialist with strong domestic sales and growing export ambitions for affordable, feature-rich crossovers.

MG

Historic British marque revived under China’s SAIC producing compact cars and SUVs like the MG ZS. Known for value-driven offerings, export presence, and affordable EV options in multiple markets.

GAC (Trumpchi)

Chinese automaker producing Trumpchi branded passenger cars and EVs, expanding overseas. Focuses on mid-size sedans, SUVs and electrification with competitive local content and feature-rich models.

ORA

EV-focused marque producing retro-styled city EVs like the ORA Good Cat. Targets urban buyers seeking affordable, design-forward electric hatchbacks with emphasis on technology and efficiency.

Chery

Major Chinese manufacturer making passenger cars, SUVs, and EVs. Notable for domestic market strength, exports, and sub-brands like Exeed. Focuses on affordability, localization, and expanding global footprint.

Changan

Large Chinese automaker producing compact cars, SUVs, and EVs; known for models like the CS series. Strong domestic presence and increasing export activity through technology partnerships.

Acura

Honda’s premium brand offering luxury sedans and SUVs like the MDX and TLX. Blends Honda reliability with upscale features and performance variants targeted to North American and Asian buyers.

Infiniti

Nissan’s luxury division offering sedans and SUVs like Q50 and QX family. Known for refined engines, comfort, and premium features historically aimed at North American and global luxury segments.

Lexus

Toyota’s luxury brand offering refined sedans, SUVs, and hybrids like the RX and ES. Recognized for luxury reliability, customer service, smooth hybrids, and strong resale values across global markets.

Genesis

Hyundai’s premium marque producing luxury sedans and SUVs like the G80 and GV70. Focuses on design, technology, and value-oriented luxury to compete with established European and Japanese premium brands.

Cadillac

Iconic American luxury brand producing sedans and SUVs such as the CT5 and Escalade. Known for bold styling, V-architecture, and a transition toward electrification with Lyriq and Escalade IQ.

Buick

Near-luxury brand offering comfortable sedans and SUVs with a focus on smooth ride quality. Popular in China and North America with models like Enclave and Encore; repositioning with crossovers and EVs.

GMC

Truck-and-SUV-focused GM brand offering professional-grade pickups and SUVs like Sierra and Yukon. Known for rugged utility, towing capability, and Denali premium trims.

Jeep

Iconic American SUV brand known for off-road capability and models like the Wrangler, Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee. Strong brand heritage, global appeal, and growing electrified model offerings.

Ram

Truck-focused brand spun from Dodge, offering heavy-duty and light-duty pickups like the Ram 1500. Known for towing capability, diesel offerings, and premium interior options in higher trims.

Dodge

American performance-oriented brand producing muscle cars and SUVs like the Charger and Durango. Known for high-performance SRT variants and a focus on powerful ICE engines and enthusiast appeal.

Chrysler

Mainstream American brand offering minivans and sedans, notably the Pacifica. Historically a full-line brand, now focused on family vehicles with hybrid and electrification plans under Stellantis direction.

Alfa Romeo

Italian brand blending sporty dynamics and Italian styling with models like the Giulia and Stelvio. Known for driving character, passionate design, and a premium niche within Stellantis portfolio.

Lancia

Historic Italian marque now focused on compact, design-forward models primarily sold in Italy and select European markets; known for heritage and a recent revival toward premium small cars and electrification.

Dacia

Value-focused brand offering affordable, no-frills cars and SUVs like the Duster and Sandero. Known for low-cost ownership, rugged budget vehicles, and expanding appeal across Europe and developing markets.

Alpine

French sports-car marque revived for lightweight, performance-focused cars like the A110 and electric competition models. Emphasizes driving purity, low-weight philosophy, and motorsport heritage in a niche sports segment.

Cupra

Performance-oriented spin-off from SEAT producing sporty hatchbacks and SUVs such as the Cupra Formentor. Combines aggressive design, performance tuning, and occasional electrified performance variants to appeal to younger buyers.