List of car brands

The list's choice to classify brands by their founding nationality rather than current ownership offers a valuable historical perspective. For example, the MG brand, originally founded in the UK, is listed under British marques even though it is now owned by China's SAIC Motor, highlighting the brand's legacy identity separate from modern corporate changes.

Over time, the page has evolved to reflect major shifts in the global auto industry. The addition of dozens of new electric vehicle brands from China between 2020 and 2026, such as BYD, Nio and XPeng, mirrors the rapid rise of Chinese EV manufacturers in the global market.

As a centralized reference, the page helps readers quickly compare brands across different regions, understand the structure of global automotive groups, and learn about defunct brands that have left their mark on the industry.