The automotive industry is constantly changing and evolving. New technologies are being experimented with, new companies are rising to prominence, and old stalwarts are improving their product line-ups or restructuring themselves completely.
Some stay relatively stable while others are seen as dinosaurs that will soon be extinct. There are six major players that make up the car market today, but what about one year from now?
Which automakers will remain relevant in the future? And which ones will vanish like vaporware products we all laugh at until they’re no longer able to keep up with competition!
In this article, I’ll go over the top auto manufacturers that seem likely to survive for at least another year (and hopefully many more!). These include some surprising picks such as General Motors, Ford, and Volkswagen.
General Motors
Since its formation back in 1869, GM has weathered many changes in business models and acquisitions, but one thing has remained constant: the company’s dedication to producing quality vehicles at an affordable price.
GM was among the first car companies to offer cars with air conditioning and internal combustion engines when most people still thought automobiles were horseless carriages. It also pioneered features like automatic transmissions and fuel injection technology before they became industry standards.
These innovations made it possible for more than just wealthy elites to own a vehicle, creating what is now known as the mass market. In fact, GM played a major role in introducing the automobile to America by marketing the Model T as an affordable alternative to horse-drawn carriages.
Since then, GM has enjoyed unprecedented success – not only are their cars popular, but they make enough money to keep investing in new technologies that improve efficiency and reduce emissions. These investments have allowed them to stay competitive while other automakers fade away.
However, this success came with a significant cost – GM spent years developing their legacy engine platform architectures which have become synonymous with the brand. When newer, cleaner alternatives come along, why should consumers invest in their old technology?
That being said, GM isn’t too worried about losing customers to competitors who use their platforms! They’ve been working hard to develop their own clean energy propulsion systems for several years now, and some of these projects even earn praise from outside sources.
Toyota Motor Corp
As of today, Toyota is still one of the top car manufacturers in the world and will likely remain so for the foreseeable future. They are still making quality vehicles that appeal to both consumers and professionals.
They have become well-known for introducing new technologies into their cars such as active safety features like automatic braking and lane keeping assist. These systems work in conjunction with each other to keep you safe while also enhancing vehicle performance.
Toyota has remained popular due to their dedication to improving the customer experience. With the advent of online car buying, they have made it easy to browse through lots of listings, compare prices, and place orders all from the comfort of your home or office.
Their focus on efficiency and cost savings helps them stay competitive even after investing in new technology. This keeps them at the forefront of automotive engineering and production.
Volkswagen AG
Since its re-entry into the automotive market in 2011 with the launch of the Beetle, VW has made significant progress towards reclaiming its former glory as one of the world’s top car manufacturers.
The company that was nearly bankrupted by scandal back in 2015 is now one of the most well respected brands in the industry. They have reclaimed their position as lovable quirky cars that people love to drive.
VW also makes some of the best environmentally friendly vehicles you can buy, such as the I.D. electric vehicle or the E-Golf which boasts an impressive 350 miles per charge!
Their lineup includes cars, SUVs, pick up trucks, and even motorcycles at this time, making them very versatile.
They are known for introducing new technology into the automobile industry like LED headlights and autonomous driving features. These additions make their vehicles more efficient and secure.
Overall, it is clear that Volkswagen knows what they are doing when it comes to automobiles. Not only do they produce quality products, but they create innovative ones as well.
Daimler AG
The car company that is not only known for making cars, but also working hard to be environmentally friendly takes top rank in this list. Mercedes-Benz was originally founded as an engine manufacturer before becoming one of the most well-known vehicle brands around. Since then, it has added prestige to its name with beautiful, powerful vehicles like the AMG GT or the SLS Black Series.
Mercedes-Benz makes use of advanced materials and technology when designing their products, which is why they are so aesthetically appealing. Their engines are powerhouses designed to work efficiently and quietly, creating good reputation points for efficiency.
The brand prides itself on being socially responsible and eco-friendly, especially now that they have made the switch from fossil fuel powered engines to ones fueled by electricity. By using alternative energy sources, such as wind or solar panels, they reduce greenhouse gas emissions while still providing quality service.
Ford Motor Co.
Since its founding in 1903, Ford has remained at the forefront of automotive technology and style. The company was one of the first to offer fully automated cars with no need for human drivers!
Ford is well known for introducing new technologies that have become common place features in automobiles today. These include automatic transmissions, fuel injection, electronic controls, and more.
Not only does Ford strive to improve the efficiency of their vehicles, but they also actively research ways to reduce vehicle emissions while improving gas mileage.
In fact, back in 2004, when California passed legislation requiring automakers to produce cleaner emission cars, Ford was among the companies that decided not to comply. This resulted in a lawsuit which they won five years later.
Despite losing money every year since 2008, Ford continues to invest in innovative technologies and designs that appeal to consumers. They are still going strong over a decade later.
Honda Motor Co. Ltd.
Since its founding in 1937, Honda has always remained focused on producing quality automobiles that people can enjoy driving. They have consistently invested in facilities to be number one in engineering, design, production, and marketing of cars.
Honda is known for their fun-to-drive designs such as the Dragster, Civic Type R, Fit, Accord, and Clarity Series vehicles. All of these cars are characterized by their sleek looks and powerful engines that get good gas mileage.
They also produce off-road capable SUVs such as the Adventure, Crosstrek, and Ridgeline models. These well designed vehicles appeal to different types of drivers including those who love rugged rides and environmentalists because they are fuel efficient.
In addition to all of this, Honda sponsors some top racing events like the 24 Hours of Daytona and the Indianapolis 500. Their race teams train hard and prepare correctly so that everyone involved with the company works together to achieve a common goal – winning races!
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
Founded in 1893, this automotive company is now owned by German conglomerate Daimler. Before being bought out by Mercedes-Benz in 2008, BWM was best known for its line of luxury cars that include the E200 Series Coupés, the AMG Line, and the current iteration of the brand – the GT series.
Since their introduction, these vehicles have been acclaimed not only for their beautiful exteriors but also their powerful engines and luxurious interior features. These qualities made them popular around the world and with top automakers like BMW and Mercedes.
Bayerische Motoren Werke has always placed an emphasis on engineering excellence and quality parts to ensure the vehicle will last. They continue to do so today with their use of high-quality materials and technology.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV
Since its formation in 2009, Fiat Chrysler has undergone significant changes to meet the demands of consumers and market conditions. The company now boasts some of the most well-known brands in the automotive industry, such as Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and Stinger.
Fiat Chrysler is also one of the largest car manufacturers in both production and sales. It produces cars for all sizes and markets, making it an essential stop if you are looking to pick up something new.
The company’s restructuring process helped it achieve this impressive status. By shedding underperforming models and shutting down facilities that were no longer profitable, FCA was able to focus on developing newer, more popular vehicles.
It is worth noting that many of these rebrandings occurred before CEO Sergio Piemonte took over back in 2012. He put emphasis on creating strong relationships with dealerships and marketing departments to help promote the company’s image.
Piemonte left his position as head of the firm earlier this year and will be succeeded by Michael Calvey who ran the company during its reorganization process. Calvy comes from Renault, so he knows how to run a large auto manufacturer!
Hyundai Motor Co. (HYMTF)
Over the past few years, Hyundai has made major waves in the automotive industry by moving away from being an import company and producing their own cars.
Hyundai manufactured its first car back in 1948, but it wasn’t until 2001 that they decided to go all-in on production. Since then, they have never looked back!
Over those last fifteen years, Hyundai not only produced their own vehicles, but also invested heavily into other companies to help them grow. They now have some of the biggest auto manufacturers in the world as their partners such as Kia Motors (00F), Renault (RNSDF), Volkswagen (VLKAY), etc.
These partnerships allow both brands to benefit from each others’ success while strengthening their respective positions in the market. It is definitely one of the healthier collaborations you will find in the automobile business.
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
Since its founding in 1937, Japanese automaker Nissan has become one of the world’s most well-known car brands. Now headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, it boasts over 6 million vehicles sold across all model lines worldwide.
With cars like the Altima, Rogue, Armada, Titan, and Murano boasting strong sales, Nissan is definitely not struggling anymore!
It was only last year that they were able to take back control of their legacy brand from Renault after seventy years. They are now fully investing into future projects such as new electric vehicle (EV) platforms and self-driving technology.
Nissan will also be introducing an SUV later this decade that will compete with some of the top tier competitors around at the time of launch. The company already has the best selling crossover name in the United States – so I have a feeling we will see more of that soon!
Conclusion
All of these companies are not only offering great services, but they offer them at a reasonable price. With new technologies coming out every day, automotive manufacturers are incorporating what works into their vehicles.
Some of these companies have made a name for themselves by providing quality service to customers. They have built up loyalty with frequent repeat business. By investing in the right technology, these car brands can keep gaining an edge over competitors.