Discover the Top 15 European Car Companies Taking the Roads by Storm

European Car Companies: We’ll take a look at 15 of Europe’s largest automakers below. You can skip our breakdown of the European auto market and go straight to the Top 5 Car Manufacturers in Europe.

Europe is home to one of the world’s largest automotive sectors. Automobile manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, Jaguar, and Bentley all call Europe home. A sizable chunk of the continent’s GDP and millions of jobs can be traced back to this sector.

The automotive market in Europe is highly competitive and dynamic. Keeping up with the market requires a steady stream of innovative solutions, and thus, new technologies and trends are introduced frequently. Market share has been steadily decreasing to the benefit of a select few large companies in this sector. Global automakers like Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), General Motors Company (NYSE:GM), and Tesla Inc. are giving European automakers a run for their money (NASDAQ:TSLA).

The European Automotive Industry

The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) estimates that over 13 million Europeans, or about 7% of the region’s labour force, are employed in the automotive sector. The automotive industry is responsible for an estimated 3.4 million of the 11.5 million manufacturing jobs in the EU. ACEA estimates that governments across Europe receive roughly EUR 374.6 billion in tax revenue from automobiles, and that the automotive industry is responsible for a trade surplus of EUR 79.5 billion. In addition, the automotive industry contributes more than 8% to Europe’s GDP, and the region’s governments have budgeted roughly EUR 58.8 billion (32% of total government expenditure) for research and development in the automotive sector.

The Rise of Battery Electric Vehicles

When compared to the third quarter of 2021, ACEA reports that the market share of battery electric vehicles in Europe increased to 11.9% in the third quarter of 2022. Hybrid electric vehicles’ share of the EU auto market increased to 22.6% in the third quarter of 2022, from 21.2% in the same quarter the previous year. Despite the growing popularity of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), cars powered by internal combustion engines still account for 54.3% of the European market.

Europe’s automotive market is intensely competitive and varied. Countries like Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom are major players in this sector. These nations have a history of producing top-notch automobiles and they’re still at the forefront of technological development. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (OTC:BMWYY), Mercedes-Benz Group AG (OTC:MBGYY), and Volkswagen AG are just a few of the major European automakers analysed here.

Our Methodology

We analysed the European auto market to find the leading manufacturers in the region. Listed here are both publicly traded and privately held businesses. We prioritised market capitalization for publicly traded companies and other metrics, such as headcount, cash flow, and vehicle sales, for privately held businesses. We also obtained the estimated annual revenue of private companies from Growjo, a major information services firm with reliable databases of businesses.

Biggest European Car Companies

15. Pagani Automobili

Annual Revenue (2020): EUR 106.9 Million

The Italian automaker Pagani Automobili is known for its high-end sports cars and supercars. The company’s headquarters are in San Cesario sul Panaro, close to Modena, Italy, and were established by Horacio Pagani in 1992. Pagani introduced the world to its first car, the Zonda, in 1999. The Huayra, which came out in 2011, came after the Zonda. Pagani is well-known for its use of carbon fibre and its meticulous craftsmanship in creating high-end vehicles. Each of the company’s automobiles is a one-of-a-kind creation. Pagani produces some of the most expensive automobiles available; the Huayra, for example, sells for more than $3 million. However, the high demand for the company’s wares means that customers often have to wait years to get their hands on one of the company’s cars. With an estimated 250 workers, Pagani Automobili counts the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia as its primary investor. Pagani Automobili is one of Europe’s largest car manufacturers. In 2020, the firm’s revenue was EUR 106.9 m.

14. Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.

Annual Revenue (Estimated): $1.8 Billion

Ferruccio Lamborghini established Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, in 1963. Lamborghini’s first production vehicle was the 350GTV. Miura, Countach, and Diablo are just a few of the legendary vehicles that Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. has produced since its founding in 1963. Lamborghini, now part of the Volkswagen Group (OTC:VWAGY), makes luxury sports cars. According to reports, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.’s revenue in 2021 was EUR 1.95 billion, up 19% year over year, placing it among Europe’s largest automakers.

13. Koenigsegg Automotive AB

Annual Revenue (Estimated): $196.6 Million

In 1994, Koenigsegg Automotive AB was established as a Swedish company dedicated to producing ultra-high performance sports cars. Ingelholm, Sweden is home to the company’s headquarters. Koenigsegg has become famous for its high-end supercars such as the Koenigsegg CCX, Agera, Regera, and One:1. Roughly 450 talented people make up Koenigsegg Automotive AB. Koenigsegg Automotive AB is a privately held company, but it is one of the largest automakers in Europe due to its premium cars, which start at over $1.5 million. Revenue for the year is expected to be close to $200 million.

12. Jaguar Land Rover

Annual Revenue (Estimated): $479.6 Million

The global headquarters of Jaguar Land Rover are located in the Whitley district of Coventry, England. The Jaguar and Land Rover brands are the company’s mainstays in the production and distribution of high-end automobiles. Jaguar Land Rover has a leg up on the competition thanks to the quality of its vehicles, their unique design language, their long history, and their distinctive brand identity. The dealer network and customer service for Jaguar Land Rover vehicles are also formidable. The company is also in a solid financial position to invest heavily in the development of new offerings and infrastructure. More than forty thousand people are employed by Jaguar Land Rover across the world, making it one of the largest employers in Europe.

11. Peugeot

Annual Revenue (Estimated): $4.8 Billion

Peugeot was established in 1810 and is a French automobile manufacturer. From compact city cars to full-size sport utility vehicles, this manufacturer does it all. Peugeot is an industry pioneer, having produced the first mass-produced diesel car and other innovations. As of now, Peugeot is a dominant force in the international auto industry, with sales in more than 160 countries. The French automaker Peugeot is among the continent’s most significant manufacturers.

Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (OTC:BMWYY), Mercedes-Benz Group AG (OTC:MBGYY), and Volkswagen AG are three of Europe’s most recognisable and successful automakers.

10. Volvo Cars

Market Cap as of November 15: $229.8 Million

Volvo Cars, founded in 1927, is a Swedish manufacturer of premium automobiles. Its main office is in the Swedish city of Gothenburg. The company produces and sells various automobiles, including SUVs, station wagons, sedans, compact executive sedans, and coupes. There are many ways in which Volvo Cars stands out from the crowd. Its stellar reputation for safety, for starters, is a major draw for many buyers. The second major selling point is that its vehicles are widely regarded as being extremely dependable. Third, Volvo Cars caters to a large demographic by providing a diverse lineup of automobiles. Last but not least, it has stellar support staff, which has resulted in a dedicated customer following. In 2021, Volvo Cars made SEK 282 billion in profit. The Volvo Car Group is a major player in the European auto industry.

9. Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc (OTC:ARGGY)

Market Cap as of November 15: $1.21 Billion

Luxury sports car production, marketing, and distribution are all handled by Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc (OTC:ARGGY), a major English automaker. In addition to the DB11 and DBS Superleggera, the company also produces the Vantage, Rapide AMR, Vanquish S, Vanquish Zagato, and Vulcan as high-end sports cars. In order to reach customers in Europe, the United Kingdom, North America, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and South America, the company has set up a vast network of dealerships across those regions. The Warwickshire office of Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc (OTC:ARGGY) was established in 2000. This European automaker is one of the largest in the world, with a market cap of $1.21 billion as of November 15.

Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc (OTC:ARGGY), just like Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), General Motors Company (NYSE:GM), and Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA), has a long tradition of producing high-quality vehicles and a solid presence in the international auto industry.

8. Renault SA (OTC:RNLSY)

Market Cap as of November 15: $9.84 Billion

The French automaker Renault SA (OTC:RNLSY) has been in business since 1898 and is a member of the global Renault Group. Renault, Dacia, Renault Samsung Motors, Alpine, LADA, and Jinbei & Huaasong are just a few of the brands under which the company’s vehicles are sold. As one of Europe’s largest automakers, Renault SA (OTC:RNLSY) also has a sizable foothold in a number of other regions around the world. On November 15th, the stock market value of the company was estimated to be around $9.8 billion.

Renault SA (OTC:RNLSY) is a multinational conglomerate with over a hundred thousand employees spread across thirty-eight different countries. In accordance with the most recent financial statements, Renault SA (OTC:RNLSY) has generated $576,000.

7. Polestar Automotive Holding UK PLC (NASDAQ:PSNY)

Market Cap as of November 15: $12.31 Billion

The Stockholm, Sweden-based Polestar Automotive Holding UK PLC (NASDAQ:PSNY) specialises in luxury electric vehicles. It was established in 2017, and it currently employs over 1,300 professionals. Polestar Automotive Holding UK PLC (NASDAQ:PSNY) is one of the largest European automakers as of November 15 with a market cap of $12.31 billion. Third-quarter 2022 earnings were announced by Polestar Automotive Holding UK PLC (NASDAQ:PSNY) on November 11. Both profits and sales increased dramatically for the company, by 104.5% and $299.39 million, respectively, from the previous year.

6. Porsche Automobil Holding SE (OTC:POAHY)

Market Cap as of November 15: $18.56 Billion

High-performance sports cars, SUVs, and sedans are produced and sold around the world by Porsche Automobil Holding SE (OTC:POAHY), a prominent German automaker. The company is well-known for its excellent products and services, particularly its high-end sports cars. Porsche Automobil Holding SE (OTC:POAHY) is able to command high prices for its vehicles and continue to delight its customers thanks to these competitive advantages. Among Europe’s largest automakers, the firm has a market cap of $18.56 billion as of November 15.

Major competitors to Porsche Automobil Holding SE (OTC:POAHY) in the global auto market include Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), General Motors Company (NYSE:GM), and Tesla Inc.

5. Ferrari N.V. (NYSE:RACE)

Market Cap as of November 15: $39.19 Billion

The Maranello, Italy-based Ferrari N.V. (NYSE:RACE) specialises in high-end sports cars. Ferrari N.V. (NYSE:RACE) has several competitive advantages. One is the organization’s impressive track record in the auto business. As a result, people know and trust this brand. Ferrari N.V. (NYSE:RACE) is a luxury automaker whose products are widely regarded as among the best in terms of both quality and performance. Because of this, the company is able to set high prices for their vehicles. Last but not least, Ferrari N.V. (NYSE:RACE) benefits greatly from the exposure and brand promotion afforded by its robust motorsport program. In terms of market capitalization, Ferrari N.V. (NYSE:RACE) is one of Europe’s largest automakers as of November 15 (it’s worth $39.19 billion).

4. Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA)

Market Cap as of November 15: $47.81 Billion

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) is an international automaker whose stable of brands includes Chrysler, Fiat, Jeep, and Ram. The company has been at the forefront of its industry since 1899 and has a significant footprint across the globe, including in Europe, North America, and South America. Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA), which has been publicly traded since 1995 and has a market cap of $47.81 billion as of November 15th of this year, operates in 30 countries around the world. Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) is one of Europe’s largest automotive manufacturers.

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) is at the forefront of new technologies, such as electric and autonomous vehicles, and has an impressive portfolio of vehicles, including some of the most iconic and best-selling cars in history. In addition, the firm has a healthy cash balance and positive free cash flows of EUR 13.34 billion.

3. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (OTC:BMWYY)

Market Cap as of November 15: $57.38 Billion

Luxury automobiles and motorcycles are produced by Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (OTC:BMWYY), a German multinational corporation also known simply as BMW. The company is known for producing luxury vehicles under the BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce names. As of November 15 (OTC:BMWYY), Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (one of Europe’s largest automakers) had a market value of $57.38 billion. Since its founding in 1916, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (OTC:BMWYY) has grown to employ more than 100,000 people.

Results for the third quarter of 2022 were released by Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (OTC:BMWYY) on November 3. Revenue of EUR 37.18 billion, up 35.3% year on year, and earnings per share of EUR 4.25 were reported. It is estimated that in Q3 2022, the company delivered 0.58 million vehicles to customers.

BMW (OTC:BMWYY) of Germany announced on October 19 that it would be investing $1.7 billion in its U.S. operations to manufacture electric vehicles. The $12.89 billion in free cash flows is a significant asset for the firm.

2. Mercedes-Benz Group AG (OTC:MBGYY)

Market Cap as of November 15: $70.36 Billion

Mercedes-Benz Group AG (OTC:MBGYY) is a market leader in the automotive industry worldwide. The company’s primary focus is on the design, production, and distribution of high-end passenger automobiles. Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, and Mercedes-Maybach are just a few of the company’s well-known brands. Mercedes-Benz Group AG (OTC:MBGYY) is one of Europe’s largest automakers as of the 15th of November, with a market cap of $70.36 billion.

Mercedes-Benz Group AG (OTC:MBGYY) released its quarterly financial results on October 26. Its earnings per share of $3.68 were higher than expected by $0.59. Quarterly revenue of $38.02 billion was $1.61 billion higher than projected.

Mercedes-Benz Group AG (OTC:MBGYY) is a major player in the global automotive industry, producing cars and trucks. The company has a rich legacy of innovation and was an early adopter of numerous industry-changing technologies. Mercedes-Benz Group AG (OTC:MBGYY) has a significant advantage over its rivals thanks to its strong financial position and global reach.

1. Volkswagen AG (OTC:VWAGY)

Market Cap as of November 15: $97.10 Billion

Volkswagen AG (OTC:VWAGY), with headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany, is a major international automaker and one of Europe’s largest manufacturers overall. Volkswagen Group develops, manufactures, and sells automobiles, SUVs, and commercial vehicles under the Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Porsche brands, among others. The company, which has been around since 1937, currently employs around 646,000 people. Volkswagen AG (OTC:VWAGY) is one of the largest European automakers as of the 15th of November, when its market value was estimated at $97.10 billion.

Volkswagen AG (OTC:VWAGY) released their quarterly financial results on October 28. Earnings per share (EPS) were reported at EUR 3.90, and revenues came in at EUR 70.71 billion, an increase of 24.2% year-over-year. To put it another way, Volkswagen AG (OTC:VWAGY) made and sold about 2.23 million cars in the third quarter. Profitable and flush with cash, Volkswagen AG (OTC:VWAGY) is a solid investment. The company generated EUR 17.26 billion in free cash flow over the previous twelve months and had an operating margin of 8.83%.

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