German car manufacturers are famous for precision-engineered automobiles and have a reputation throughout the world for quality and innovation. From sports cars designed for the high-speed autobahn to luxury sedans and SUVs built for comfort and style, German automakers have a history of creating high-quality vehicles with a focus on functionality and quality.

Germany produced 4.7 million vehicles in 2019, slightly less than 2018’s production of 5.1 million, making them one of the top five countries in the world for vehicle manufacturing, and accounting for nearly a third of all autos produced in Europe. Since 1870 when Karl Benz and Nikolaus Otto invented their four-stroke internal combustion engine, German vehicles have brought innovative technology, exceptional design, and extraordinary performance to the automotive market.

So exactly how many of these proud and historic automakers are there in Germany?

Mercedes-Benz

Based in Stuttgart Germany, Mercedes-Benz is the oldest manufacturer of automobiles in the world. Since 1926 the Mercedes-Benz name has been known for producing some of the highest quality and most luxurious vehicles in the industry. Mercedes-Benz is well known for combining style, technology, and the highest quality materials and has earned a reputation in the automotive industry for their luxury limousines. 

Audi

Audi is one of the first automobile manufacturers in Germany. Founded in 1909 at Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Audi Automobilwerke merged with Horch, DKW, and Wanderer in 1932 and became known as Auto Union UG.

The merger of the four companies led to the development of the four interlinked rings that make up the Audi logo. Another merger in 1966 made the Audi badge part of the Volkswagen Group, and the company’s commitment to quality and reliability have kept sales climbing.

BMW

Bayerische Motoren Werke, also known as Bavarian Motor Works, or BMW, has been designing and manufacturing luxury vehicles since 1929. Today the iconic BMW logo is found on passenger cars, luxury cars, sports cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks sold throughout the world.

For generations, the engineers at BMW have been dedicated to the constant pursuit of quality and excellence. The company’s focus on improving the engine that powers the BMW sets them apart as one of the most trustworthy German auto manufacturers in the world.

Volkswagen

Founded in 1937 by Ferdinand Porsche, Volkswagen in Wolfsburg, Germany, was once the manufacturer of only luxury vehicles. Today the company is an extremely popular brand known for quality and recognized as “the car of the people.” While not offering as many different models as some manufacturers, Volkswagen has earned a reputation for making a reliable and safe vehicle.

Volkswagen gained an iconic statue in the U.S. with the Beetle and VW bus. The company has grown to become a major auto manufacturer. The Volkswagen Group now includes such well-known names as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Bugatti. While not known as a luxury vehicle manufacturer, Volkswagen has continued to increase its sales in the U.S.

Porsche

With the record for cars sold by Porsche Cars North America, Inc. set at 55,420 in 2017, Porsche is not the largest auto manufacturer in Germany, but possibly one of the most well know and respected.

Based in Stuttgart, the company specializes in producing sedans, hypercars, supercars, SUVs, and sports cars. Having once concentrated mainly on sports cars, Porsche has earned a reputation for its racing success, and many of its vehicles are sought after by collectors. Some of the most famous Porsche models include the 918, Macan, Cayenne, Cayman, Boxster, and Panamera.

The future of German automakers

German automakers have a long and proud automotive history. The German automotive industry has developed a well earned reputation for manufacturing some of the highest quality and most reliable vehicles in the world. This commitment to excellence will ensure that German automobile sales will continue to grow.