The global car market is always changing, with many brands fighting for the top spot. Toyota, a Japanese brand, leads the pack, selling 10.48 million cars in 2022. This is just a slight drop from the year before¹.

Most Selling Car Brands in The World 2023

Rank	Brand	Flag	Annual Sales
1	Toyota	🇯🇵	9,483,137
2	Volkswagen	🇩🇪	5,276,200
3	Ford	🇺🇸	4,413,565
4	Hyundai	🇰🇷	4,216,680
5	Honda	🇯🇵	4,188,039
6	Nissan	🇯🇵	3,374,271
7	KIA	🇰🇷	3,085,771
8	BYD	🇨🇳	3,045,231
9	Changan	🇨🇳	2,553,052
10	BMW	🇩🇪	2,549,309
11	Mercedes-Benz	🇩🇪	2,491,000
12	Chevrolet	🇺🇸	2,399,087
13	Dongfeng	🇨🇳	2,088,185
14	Suzuki	🇯🇵	2,066,219
15	Audi	🇩🇪	1,895,240
16	Tesla	🇺🇸	1,808,581
17	Geely	🇨🇳	1,680,000
18	Renault	🇫🇷	1,548,748
19	Jeep	🇺🇸	1,382,486
20	Mazda	🇯🇵	1,312,542

Right after Toyota, Volkswagen sold 8.3 million cars worldwide, a 7% drop from 2021. This put them in second place in the sales race¹. Hyundai Motor Group, from South Korea, came in third, selling 6.88 million cars. Both Hyundai and Kia saw sales go up by a few percent from the year before¹.

Key Takeaways

• Toyota is still the top car brand, selling over 10 million cars in 2022.
• Volkswagen Group is in second, selling 8.3 million cars worldwide.
• Hyundai Motor Group ranks third, with Hyundai and Kia brands seeing sales growth.
• The global auto market is expected to bounce back in 2023, with a 3.8% increase in sales.
• Electric vehicle sales are rising, with the US expecting a 16% increase in 2024.

Toyota: The Global Leader in Automotive Sales

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Toyota is the top name in car sales worldwide, always leading the pack. In 2023, it sold a record 11,233,039 vehicles, up 7.2 percent from the year before². The Toyota and Lexus brands sold 10,307,395 cars, a 7.7 percent jump from the last year². This success has made Toyota the world’s leading car maker for ten years running.

Consistent Performance and Market Dominance

Toyota’s winning formula is simple: it makes reliable, quality cars that people love. The Lexus brand, Toyota’s luxury line, sold 824,258 vehicles in 2023, a huge 132 percent increase from 2022². Daihatsu, a Toyota company, also saw sales rise by 3.2 percent to 790,441 units in 2023². But Hino, Toyota’s commercial vehicle arm, saw sales drop by 9.8 percent to 135,203 units².

Key Factors Behind Toyota’s Success

Several things make Toyota the top car maker. Its focus on innovation, adapting to what customers want, and pushing for sustainable mobility are key. The company’s drive for constant improvement and its cutting-edge tech, like hybrid electric vehicles, keep it ahead³.

Toyota also grows by reaching new markets, like opening plants in Europe. This lets it meet different market needs and grab new chances for growth³. Its global presence and reputation for quality and reliability make it the top car brand globally.

“Toyota’s unwavering commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has been the driving force behind its global success. The company’s ability to anticipate and adapt to changing market dynamics has been key to its sustained leadership in the automotive industry.”

As cars evolve, Toyota is ready to stay on top. It uses its deep knowledge, innovative spirit, and understanding of what customers want to offer great products and services²³.

Volkswagen: The German Automotive Powerhouse

Volkswagen, the famous German car maker, has become a global leader in the auto industry. It stands out with its high sales and strong brand name. This makes it a top player in the market⁴.

In 2023, Volkswagen sold a huge 9,239,575 cars, making up 5.8% of the global market⁴. This success comes from its wide range of cars, investing in new tech, and always looking to innovate.

Volkswagen’s success isn’t just about how many cars it sells. It’s also about its strong brand. People trust Volkswagen for quality, reliability, and great driving experiences⁵. This trust helps Volkswagen stay a top car maker around the world.

Automaker	2023 Sales (in millions)	YoY Growth
Volkswagen	9.24	12%
Toyota	10.48	7%
General Motors	6.83	4%
Ford	5.91	3%
Honda	4.72	6%

Volkswagen keeps leading as the car industry changes. It’s investing a lot in electric cars and self-driving tech⁵. These moves show Volkswagen is ready for the future and keeps its place as a German car giant.

“Volkswagen’s relentless pursuit of innovation and its commitment to delivering exceptional driving experiences have made it a global automotive leader.”

The Rise of Hyundai and Kia

Hyundai and Kia, the South Korean car giants, are moving up in global sales rankings. They now stand third in the world, selling 7,302,451 vehicles in 2023, a 7% jump from last year⁶. Their growth comes from smart partnerships, new designs, and meeting what buyers want.

Strategic Partnerships and Innovative Designs

Hyundai and Kia are big on advanced tech, like green engines and connected cars, to stay ahead⁶. Their drive for innovation brought the Hyundai IONIQ 5 electric crossover, a hit with 33,918 units sold in the U.S. in 2023⁷. The Hyundai Tucson SUV also did well, with 209,624 units sold in the U.S. last year⁷.

Kia has shown off its design skills with the Sportage SUV, K3 sedan, and Telluride SUV, all big sellers in the U.S⁷. SUVs make up 72% of Kia’s U.S. sales in 2023, showing their strength in this area⁷.

Though Hyundai and Kia trail Tesla in self-driving tech, they’re well-placed to catch up with their strong profits and resources⁶.

Brand	U.S. Sales (2023)	Avg. Daily Sales
Toyota	1,928,228	5,282.8
Ford	1,889,514	5,176.8
Chevrolet	1,699,244	4,655.5
Honda	1,162,531	3,185.0
Nissan	834,097	2,285.2
Hyundai	801,195	2,195.1
Kia	782,451	2,143.7
Tesla	654,888	1,794.2
Jeep	642,924	1,761.4
Subaru	632,086	1,731.7

Hyundai and Kia have made a big mark in the car world. Their smart partnerships, new designs, and focus on what buyers want have made them strong competitors⁶. With more investment in tech and new products, they’re set to keep growing among the top car brands⁶.

“Hyundai and Kia have shown they can adapt and deliver what consumers want. Their focus on innovation and partnerships has driven their growth.”

Stellantis: The Merger of Automotive Giants

The automotive industry has seen a big change with the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Groupe PSA to form Stellantis. This new company is a big player in the global market⁸. The merger happened in the first quarter of 2021, making a global carmaker more efficient and leading in mobility solutions⁸.

In 2023, Stellantis N.V. made 6.168 million vehicles and earned €189.5 billion in revenue. These numbers show how well the company is doing⁹. The company made €22.4 billion in operating income and €18.6 billion in net income, showing its strong finances⁹. With €202.1 billion in assets and 258,275 employees, Stellantis is a major force in the automotive world⁹.

The merger has helped Stellantis use shared resources and grow in key markets. This has given it a competitive edge⁹. In 2023, it was the world’s fourth-largest automaker by sales, after Toyota, Volkswagen Group, and Hyundai Motor Group⁹. It was also the 61st company on the Forbes Global 2000 list, showing its global importance⁹.

Under CEO Carlos Tavares, Stellantis is leading in innovation and technology⁹. The company aims to make four EV platforms by the end of the 2020s and invest over €30 billion in electric vehicles by 2021⁹. With 14 well-known brands, Stellantis is ready to shape the future of cars⁹.

“We are totally focused on creating value for all our stakeholders, while delivering great mobility solutions to our customers. Our electrification and software strategies will leverage the full benefits of the merger.”

– Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis

General Motors: An American Icon

General Motors is a top name in the global car industry. In 2023, it sold 6,188,476 vehicles, making it the fifth biggest seller worldwide¹⁰. The company keeps up with what people want by changing its products and technology.

Adapting to Changing Consumer Preferences

GM has bounced back from tough times by focusing on new tech and offering a wide range of cars. It’s a leader in electric, connected, and self-driving cars¹⁰.

In 2023, GM sold 75,883 electric vehicles, which was 2.9% of its total sales¹⁰. Even though it faced issues with some electric models, GM is committed to making more green cars.

GM is also updating its lineup to match what people like. Buick saw a big jump in sales, and Chevrolet also did well¹⁰. This shows GM can change with the market and make cars people want.

As cars change, GM is ready to lead. It’s all about innovation, offering many car types, and knowing what customers want. GM is set to do well in the future.

Automaker	2023 Sales Growth
Toyota Motor	6.6% increase
Honda Motor	33% increase
Hyundai Motor	11% increase
Nissan Group	23.2% increase
Kia	13% increase, record sales of 782,451 vehicles

“General Motors has proven its ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences, investing in new technologies and diversifying its product lineup to maintain its position as a leading player in the industry.”

General Motors is a true American car icon. It shows how to stay strong and flexible in a changing industry. By bringing in new tech, offering many car types, and listening to customers, GM keeps being a big name in cars¹⁰¹¹¹².

Ford: The Iconic American Automaker

Ford is a top American car maker with a long history. It has become a global icon in the car world. For over a century, Ford has made innovative and quality cars that people love all over the world¹³.

The Ford Model T changed the car industry. It was introduced in 1908 and quickly became a hit. Soon, half of the cars in America were Model T’s¹⁴. Ford also made the first moving assembly line for cars, making one Model T in under thirty seconds¹⁴.

Ford is still a big name today. It sold 4,413,545 cars in 2023, up 4% from the year before¹³. Cars like the Mustang have made Ford very popular and a leader in the car industry¹⁴.

Even with challenges, Ford keeps up with what people want and innovates. Making quality, reliable, and efficient cars has helped Ford stay strong worldwide¹³.

“Ford has not only left an indelible mark on the automotive industry but has also become a symbol of American ingenuity and resilience.”

Ford is ready for the future and will keep being a top car maker¹³. With its history, innovation, and focus on customers, Ford will keep being the Iconic American Automaker for many years.

Honda: Reliability and Efficiency

Honda is a top name in cars, known for being reliable and fuel-efficient. It sold 4,188,039 vehicles worldwide in 2023, an 8% jump from the year before¹⁵. The brand shines thanks to its tech innovation and focus on making driving better.

It’s clear Honda cares about reliability and efficiency. In 2023, Consumer Reports named Lexus a top brand, with the Lexus GX scoring high in reliability¹⁵. Toyota was also a winner, with the Corolla Hybrid leading the pack¹⁵.

Industry data backs up Honda’s solid reputation. A study found Honda as the top brand for repair costs and visits¹⁶. The 2023 Honda Civic and 2024 models are also great for saving money over time¹⁶.

Honda is also known for its safety and quality. The 2022 Honda Odyssey was praised for its quality and value¹⁶. Many Honda models got top safety ratings from the NHTSA¹⁶.

Honda’s dedication to reliability, efficiency, and safety has made it a trusted brand worldwide. With its cutting-edge tech and focus on customer happiness, Honda remains a favorite among drivers globally.

Most Sold Car Brands in the World

The global car market has seen a big comeback in sales recently. Many big names have become the top car brands worldwide¹⁷. Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai-Kia, and Stellantis are leading the pack. They show they can change with what buyers want and market changes.

Toyota leads in global car sales, selling 9,483,137 cars in 2023¹⁷. It has been the top seller for nine years running. Volkswagen is close behind, selling 5,276,200 cars last year¹⁷.

The Hyundai-Kia group, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, sold 7,080,563 cars in 2023¹⁷. General Motors, with brands like Chevrolet and Cadillac, sold 6,200,000 vehicles¹⁷.

Rank	Brand	Units Sold (2023)
1	Toyota	9,483,13717
2	Volkswagen	5,276,20017
3	Hyundai-Kia	7,080,56317
4	General Motors	6,200,00017
5	Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi	5,649,99917
6	Stellantis	5,602,26817
7	Ford	4,246,00017
8	Honda	3,854,00017
9	Suzuki	3,072,82417
10	BYD	2,885,06617

Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi, Stellantis, Ford, Honda, Suzuki, and BYD also make the top 10 list¹⁷. These companies are strong and meet many consumer needs worldwide.

The car industry is changing with new tech like electric cars and self-driving cars¹. These leading brands must stay quick and creative to keep their top spots¹. Sales are expected to go up in 2023, reaching 84.1 million units¹.

The top selling car brands list is always changing. It shows how the global car industry is always moving. As tastes and market trends change, these top brands must keep up and innovate. They need to meet the growing demand for most sold car brands worldwide².

Nissan: Pioneering Innovation and Efficiency

Nissan is a leading Japanese car maker known for its innovation and focus on the environment. It’s committed to making electric and eco-friendly cars. This makes Nissan a leader in green transportation¹⁸.

Commitment to Electrification and Sustainable Mobility

The Nissan Leaf is one of the top-selling electric cars worldwide¹⁸. The company also offers advanced safety features and driver tech like ProPILOT Assist to make driving better¹⁸.

Nissan goes beyond just making green cars. It works on hybrid and electric engines to use less fuel and emit less pollution¹⁸. The company also uses eco-friendly methods in making cars, like saving energy and reducing waste¹⁸.

Nissan aims to be carbon neutral by 2050, including its operations and products’ life cycle¹⁹. By the early 2030s, all new Nissan cars in key markets will be electric¹⁹. This shows Nissan’s strong commitment to a green future¹⁹.

Nissan doesn’t just focus on car tech. Its cars come with cool features like Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and Bose® audio systems for great music¹⁸.

Safety is a big deal for Nissan, and it’s won awards for its safe cars¹⁹. The Leaf is praised for its battery tech and charging setup, showing Nissan’s effort in green driving¹⁸.

Nissan keeps leading in innovation and efficiency, driving the shift to a greener future¹⁸¹⁹.

BMW: Luxury and Performance

BMW, a top German luxury car maker, sold 2,555,341 vehicles worldwide in 2023, a 7% jump from the year before²⁰. It’s known for making high-performance, premium cars, which has helped it succeed²⁰. BMW is loved for its thrilling drives, advanced tech, and top-notch craftsmanship²⁰.

In 2023, BMW sold more than seven percent more cars, hitting 2,253,835 units²¹. The company sold 330,956 electric cars and SUVs, a huge leap of 92 percent from the previous year, making up over 14 percent of all sales²¹. Including Mini and Rolls-Royce, BMW Group sold 2,555,341 vehicles in 2023, a 6.5 percent rise from 2022²¹.

BMW’s Gesture Control lets drivers change settings with hand gestures, reducing distractions²⁰. The brand offers a wide range of cars, from the sporty 3 Series to the luxurious 7 Series²⁰.

Even though BMW is a leading luxury car brand, the competition is strong²⁰. Audi and Porsche are big rivals, known for their excellent craftsmanship and performance²⁰. Land Rover attracts luxury SUV buyers with its off-road skills and unique style²⁰.

“BMW’s commitment to innovation, design, and performance has been the foundation of our success. We will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the luxury automotive industry.”

– Oliver Zipse, CEO of BMW AG

The Rise of Chinese Automakers

The global car industry has seen a big jump in Chinese car makers’ presence lately. These new players use their big home market, smart investments, and new car designs to grow and become big names worldwide²².

Changan and Geely: Emerging Global Players

Changan and Geely are leading Chinese car brands making big moves. Changan is now the 10th biggest, selling 2,553,052 cars in 2023, up 9% from last year²². Geely, another top Chinese brand, ranks 15th, selling 1,686,516 cars in 2023, up 18%²².

Chinese car growth isn’t just in China. They expect to sell 3 million cars outside China this year, growing to 9 million by 2030. This means they’ll jump from 3% to 13% of the world’s car market²². In North America, they’ll likely have a 3% market share by 2030, with a big presence in Mexico²². Also, their share in Europe is set to double from 6% to 12% by 2030²².

Chinese car makers stand out by quickly bringing new cars to market, in just 20 months. This is faster than the old car makers, who take 40 months²². Their quickness and lower costs let them offer cheaper, more value-packed cars to people all over the world²³.

Metric	Chinese Sedan	American Sedan	Japanese Sedan	German Sedan
Average Price	36.5% lower	–	42% lower	84% lower

The growth of Chinese car makers shows they can adapt and meet what buyers want. As they keep growing globally, their impact on the car industry will likely grow too²²²³.

“Chinese cars are known for their competitive pricing and value proposition due to efficient manufacturing techniques, large-scale production, and sharing of parts across manufacturers, contributing to their affordability and market competitiveness.”²³

Conclusion

The global car industry is still led by big names like Toyota²⁴, Volkswagen, and Hyundai Kia. But, new players from China are also making their mark. These companies are adapting to new trends, investing in tech, and meeting what customers want worldwide²⁴.

As the industry changes, it’s all about electric cars, being connected, and driving on your own. The best car brands will be those that lead in these areas. They’ll offer new, green, and appealing products to people everywhere²⁴²⁵.

Watching the trends in the car industry, car sales, and how top brands do will tell us a lot about the future. Brands that keep up with new trends and give customers what they want will be the leaders. They’ll be the ones to watch in this fast-changing field²⁴²⁵.

FAQ

What is the best-selling car brand in the world?

The Japanese brand Toyota leads in sales, selling 3.6 million vehicles by May 2024. It’s been the top brand for 10 years.

What are the top-selling car brands in the world?

In 2023, the top brands are Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai Kia, Stellantis, General Motors, Ford, Honda, Nissan, BMW, and Changan.

How has Toyota maintained its position as the global leader in automotive sales?

Toyota stays on top thanks to its focus on innovation and adapting to what customers want. It’s also committed to making mobility sustainable. Its success comes from making quality products, reliable cars, and efficient manufacturing.

What is the market position of Volkswagen in the global automotive industry?

Volkswagen is second in the world, making up 5.8% of the market. Its success comes from a strong brand, a wide range of products, and investing in new tech.

How have Hyundai and Kia performed in the global automotive market?

Hyundai and Kia are rising fast, now third in sales in 2023. Their success comes from smart partnerships, new designs, and meeting customer needs.

What is the impact of the Stellantis merger on the global automotive industry?

The Stellantis merger made it the world’s fourth-biggest car maker. It combines strengths to share resources and grow in key markets.

How has General Motors adapted to the changing automotive landscape?

General Motors has changed with the times by investing in new tech and offering more choices. Its focus on electric, connected, and self-driving cars keeps it at the top.

What are the key factors contributing to Ford’s continued success in the global automotive market?

Ford’s success comes from its strong brand and history. Making quality, efficient cars keeps it a leader worldwide.

What are the strengths of Honda’s brand in the global automotive industry?

Honda is known for reliable and efficient cars. Its focus on tech and a great driving experience keeps it competitive globally.

How have Chinese automakers, such as Changan and Geely, performed in the global automotive market?

Brands like Changan and Geely are growing fast. They use their home market strength, smart investments, and new designs to expand globally.

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