The automotive industry is one of the most dynamic and competitive sectors in the world, with millions of vehicles produced and sold every year. But which automakers are the biggest and most successful in terms of production and sales? We will look at the top 15 car producers by year, based on data from the Organization Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobile’s (OICA) and other sources.
Top 15 car producers in 2022; According to the latest available data, the top 15 car producers in 2022 were:
| Rank | Manufacturer | Vehicles produced.
Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 14 (June 3 – Sept 2, 2024) begins registrations; get massive discounts with early registration here.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations here.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and invest in Africa’s finest startups here.
| 1 | Toyota | 10,060,339 |
| 2 | Volkswagen | 9,846,955 |
| 3 | General Motors | 8,822,399 |
| 4 | Hyundai-Kia | 8,067,557 |
| 5 | Ford | 7,835,519 |
| 6 | Honda | 5,456,857 |
| 7 | Nissan | 4,399,112 |
| 8 | Stellantis | 3,950,617 |
| 9 | Renault | 3,757,049 |
| 10 | BMW | 3,677,820 |
| 11 | Mercedes-Benz | 3,509,072
| 12 | Suzuki | 2,944,988 |
| 13 | SAIC | 2,879,809 |
| 14 | Geely | 2,699,672 |
| 15 | Tesla | 2,369,769 |
Toyota was the largest car producer in the world in 2022, with over 10 million vehicles produced. The Japanese automaker has been the leader for many years, thanks to its popular models such as the Corolla, Camry, RAV4 and Prius. Toyota also owns other brands such as Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino.
Volkswagen was the second-largest car producer in the world in 2022, with nearly 10 million vehicles produced. The German automaker has a diverse portfolio of brands such as VW, Audi, Skoda, SEAT and Porsche. Volkswagen also has joint ventures with Chinese companies such as SAIC and FAW.
General Motors was the third-largest car producer in the world in 2022, with over 8.8 million vehicles produced. The American automaker has a strong presence in North America and China, with brands such as Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and GMC. General Motors also owns a stake in SAIC-GM-Wuling.
Hyundai-Kia was the fourth-largest car producer in the world in 2022, with over 8 million vehicles produced. The South Korean automaker has been growing rapidly in recent years, with models such as the Sonata, Elantra, Tucson and Kona. Hyundai-Kia also owns a stake in Genesis.
Ford was the fifth-largest car producer in the world in 2022, with over 7.8 million vehicles produced. The American automaker has a loyal customer base in North America and Europe, with models such as the F-Series, Mustang and Fiesta. Ford also owns a stake in Mazda.
Trends and challenges
The global automotive industry is facing many challenges and opportunities in the coming years. Some of the key trends and issues are:
Electrification: The demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is increasing rapidly around the world, driven by environmental concerns and government incentives. EVs are expected to account for over 30% of global car sales by 2030, according to some estimates. Automakers are investing heavily in developing and producing EVs that are affordable and competitive.
Autonomous driving: The development of autonomous driving technology is advancing at a fast pace, with many automakers and tech companies testing and launching self-driving cars. Autonomous driving has the potential to improve safety, efficiency and convenience for drivers and passengers. However, there are also many technical and regulatory challenges to overcome before fully autonomous cars become mainstream.
Connectivity: The integration of digital technologies and services into cars is enhancing the user experience and creating new business opportunities for automakers and other players. Cars are becoming more connected to each other and to the internet of things (IoT), enabling features such as infotainment systems, navigation systems and remote diagnostics.
Mobility services: The rise of new mobility services such as ride-hailing, car-sharing and subscription models is changing the way people use and own cars. These services offer more flexibility, convenience and affordability for consumers, especially in urban areas. Automakers are adapting to this shift by partnering with or acquiring mobility service providers or launching their own platforms.
Competition: The automotive industry is becoming more competitive and fragmented, with new entrants and challengers from different sectors. These include tech giants such as Google, Apple and Amazon, as well as startups such as Tesla, Nio and Rivian. These players are disrupting the traditional value chain and business models of the industry, offering innovative products and services that appeal to new customer segments.
The automotive industry is one of the most important and influential sectors in the world economy, with a significant impact on society, environment and innovation. The industry is undergoing a major transformation, driven by technological, social and regulatory changes. The top 15 car producers in the world are facing both challenges and opportunities in this dynamic and competitive market. They need to adapt and innovate to meet the changing needs and expectations of customers, while maintaining their competitive edge and profitability.