The major automakers with present presences in the United States are listed below, along with the brands they sell.
BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce are all owned by BMW Group. Smart and Mercedes-Benz are owned by Daimler AG. Lincoln and Ford are owned by Ford Motor Co. Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac all belong to General Motors. Hummer is back as a GMC subsidiary brand. In order to co-develop EVs, GM and Honda have an official collaboration. Acura and Honda are owned by Honda Motor Co. It collaborates with GM. Sony Honda Mobility is the name of the electric vehicle firm they founded with Sony. Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia are all owned by Hyundai Motor Group. Mazda is owned by Mazda Motor Corp. Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Infiniti are all owned by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. Following the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Peugeot S.A., a new company called Stellantis was created. According to the explanation, the word is derived from the Latin verb “stello,” which means “to dazzle with stars.” Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, and Ram are now under Stellantis and are FCA brands that are offered in the United States. Other Stellantis automobile brands include Citroen, DS Automobiles, Opel, Peugeot, and Vauxhall. Subaru is owned by Subaru Corp. Jaguar and Land Rover are owned by Tata Motors. Owned by Tesla. Lexus and Toyota are owned by Toyota Motor Corp. Additionally, it owns stock in Suzuki and Subaru. The automotive brand VinFast, along with VinHomes, VinBigData, VinBioCare, and VinBrain, are all owned by VinGroup. Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Volkswagen are all brands owned by Volkswagen AG. Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus are all brands owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH).
In This Article...
Who is Bentley’s legal owner?
Walter Owen Bentley, who preferred to be called W.O., was the youngest of nine siblings and was born in 1888. On July 10, 1919, he created the business that bears his name. Nearly a century later, his name is now recognized all over the world for producing automobiles with an unmatched fusion of performance and the best materials and craftsmanship. The man who radically altered the automotive industry is profiled below.
W.O. Bentley started Bentley Motors. In 1919, the first automobile bearing his name rolled out of New Street Mews in London.
The business grew steadily from humble origins in its tireless pursuit of excellence and luxury. This combination could seem contradictory if not for the company’s five triumphs at Le Mans in the 1920s and its sixth in 2003. Then it might be mentioned that Bentley continues to produce the most renowned contradictions on the road right now.
Nearly a century later, W.O.’s vision still directs our attitudes, deeds, and goals. Bentley Motors, based in Crewe, England, and owned by Volkswagen AG since 1998, continues to be the world’s most coveted high performance grand tourer manufacturer.
The Power of Steam
W.O. Bentley has always loved being in motion. When he was nine years old, he purchased a used bicycle and disassembled it to figure out how it operated. But trains were where his true interest resided. At the age of 16, he dropped out of school to begin an apprenticeship with the Great Northern Railway. He eventually realized his childhood dream of working on a steam locomotive’s footplate, throwing coal into the firebox to maintain the steam pressure. After five years, he finished his apprenticeship, but by that time, his focus had changed to driving.
W.O. purchased a Quadrant motorcycle while still employed by the railway, and along with two of his brothers, he enthusiastically got into racing. He practiced on the roads early in the morning when police speed traps weren’t in operation. He participated in the London-Edinburgh trial in 1907 and, although breaking down just outside Edinburgh, was able to fix the bike and complete the race in time to earn a gold medal. Additional gold medals were won at the 1908 London-Plymouth and London-End Land’s trials. W.O. improved the performance of engines as his passion for racing grew, and the official Rex team adopted his changes to a Speed model Rex since they were so effective.
Which businesses is Bentley a part of?
Bentley. Since 1998, the W.O. Bentley-founded Bentley Motors has belonged to the Volkswagen Group. Beginning in 1931, Bentley was owned by Rolls-Royce, Bentley’s primary rival today.
Who is Audi’s current owner?
Who owns Audi, one of the top German automakers still today? The Volkswagen Group subsidiary Audi has continued to make high-end automobiles that dazzle with their opulent features and superb performance while staying faithful to its German heritage.
Why are Bentleys such a bad bet?
The fact is that, unlike more cheap, everyday cars, premium vehicles like Bentleys are not designed to survive daily use and abuse.
In the end, luxury cars are made to look a certain way and function in a certain way. They aren’t heavy machinery.
The average luxury car suffers damage faster and more frequently than non-luxury cars, according to research. This alone renders the Bentley an unstable option for a vehicle.
However, the price of repairs significantly increases when you take into account how pricey Bentley parts are.
It becomes obvious that maintaining a Bentley over the long run is no walk in the park when we consider the previous figures that claimed 93 percent of Bentleys have at least one defect per year and that the average repair costs over $900.
In short, by most people’s standards, Bentleys cannot be regarded as reliable vehicles because they often require annual upkeep and are extremely expensive to repair.
Who constructs Aston Martin?
Aston Martin models have been produced by the Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC for 104 years since it was founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bramford. However, in 1987 Ford took a major ownership position in Aston Martin. However, Mercedes-Benz took over as the company’s largest shareholder in 2020, boosting their ownership to 20%.
Who is Mercedes-owner? Benz’s
Mercedes-Benz is owned by Daimler AG, which was originally founded as Daimler-Benz. After acquiring new ownership, this corporation changed their name in 1998 and now owns Mercedes-Benz.
Today’s Maserati owner?
Since 1993, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has owned the company, which over the years has been owned by a number of different parent companies. FCA and Alfa Romeo, another Italian luxury automobile manufacturer, are in the same brand group.
Who produces Jaguars?
One of the biggest automakers in the world, Tata Motors, is the owner of Jaguar, a British luxury car manufacturer. Visit Jaguar Mission Viejo near Coto De Caza to learn more about the history of Jaguar and the people who currently produce new Jaguar vehicles.
Owner of Toyota?
Toyota is owned by Toyota Motor Corporation. It was founded in 1937, and as of 2008, it had surpassed General Motors to become the largest automaker in the world.
Despite having its roots in Japan, Toyota has expanded to suit the demand for its cars on a global scale.
What other makes does Toyota Motor Corporation own?
Lexus is owned by Toyota Motor Corporation as well. The company also owns stock in Suzuki and Subaru.
Toyota’s stake in Subaru is 20 percent; despite this, it has a significant influence over the company’s direction.
According to Auto News, the companies intend to enhance all-wheel drive technology and integrate Toyota’s hybrid drivetrains into various Subaru automobiles.
Toyota acquired its interest in Suzuki in 2019 for about $910 million. Additionally, Suzuki owns.2 percent of Toyota’s stock. The corporations assert that they intend to continue to be competitors while establishing and strengthening cooperation partnerships in new industries in order to address obstacles in the automotive industry. Sounds like a win-win collaboration!
What makes Rolls Royce superior to Bentley?
For fans of luxury, Rolls Royce is a more opulent, visually appealing, timeless classic option. The Rolls Royce lineup is packed with lavish car variants that resemble boat boards, complete cinemas, mobile bars, and other internal luxury amenities. Rolls Royce is a stand-alone symbol of luxury and is perfect for people who enjoy attracting attention to their exquisite taste wherever they go!
Which one is Right for You?
Well, everything is subjective. Bentley is the best option for you if you’re searching for a less expensive, more compact, and performance-focused vehicle that delivers driving exclusivity. However, the Rolls Royce is the best option for individuals seeking a truly opulent vehicle that is more concentrated on comfort, convenience, and luxury features.
Final Verdict
It’s difficult to choose between these two automakers because each one has a distinctive take on luxury. While Rolls-Royce makes every effort to make the car as comfortable and sumptuous as possible, Bentley develops a more athletic version of the luxury vehicle.
But everything is arbitrary, and the choice is affected by individual preferences.
Ford owns Aston, right?
The return of the fictitious British secret agent James Bond to Aston Martin was negotiated by Gauntlett in 1986. To bring the Bond brand back to a more Sean Connery-like feel, Cubby Broccoli decided to recast the role using actor Timothy Dalton. In addition to selling Broccoli a Volante for use at his residence in America, Gauntlett provided his own pre-production Vantage for use during the filming of The Living Daylights. Despite his desire to play the KGB colonel, Gauntlett declined the part because he “simply could not afford the time.” [54]
: Ford Motor Company
Ford acquired a 75 percent ownership in Aston Martin in 1987 and the remaining 25 percent subsequently since the company required capital to continue operating over the long term. [55] Victor Gauntlett and Prince Michael of Kent watched the revived race in May of that same year while staying at the residence of Contessa Maggi, the original Mille Miglia’s creator. Walter Hayes, vice-president of Ford of Europe, was another visitor at the home. Despite issues with the previous purchase of AC Cars, Hayes recognized the brand’s potential, and after some deliberation, Ford decided to purchase a share in September 1987. [56] Following the successful sales of 52 Volante Zagato coups priced at $86,000 each, a limited edition Vantage, and 5,000 cars produced over the course of 20 years, Aston Martin ultimately removed the outdated V8 in 1988 and unveiled the Virage line. [57]
Despite having a two-year term limit on his chairmanship, Gauntlett returned the firm to sports car racing in 1989 with very little success in Europe. Ford sponsored the Jaguar automobiles racing team with a small number of Cosworth engines, but due to changes in engine regulations for the 1990 season and the introduction of the new Volante model, this supply was limited. Ford decided to acquire full ownership of Aston Martin since the entry-level DB7 would need a significant amount of engineering expertise. In 1991, Gauntlett passed over the presidency of Aston Martin to Hayes. [58] The high-performance Virage variation known as the Vantage was introduced in 1992, and the DB7 was unveiled the following year, revitalizing the DB line. [59]
Ford built a stake in the company in 1987 and by 1993 had entirely bought it.
[60] Ford added Aston Martin to the Premier Automotive Group, made new manufacturing investments, and increased output. Ford began producing the DB7 at a new plant at Banbury Road in Bloxham in 1994. Aston Martin produced a record 700 vehicles in 1995. Before the Ford period, automobiles were made using manual coachbuilding craft techniques like the English wheel. The 2,000th and 6,000th DB7s were constructed in 1998 and 2002, respectively, outpacing the production of all earlier DB series models. In 1999, the more potent V12 Vantage models were added to the DB7 lineup, and in 2001, Aston Martin debuted the Vanquish, its V12-powered flagship model that replaced the venerable Virage (now called the V8 Coup). [61]
The V8 Vantage concept car was unveiled by Aston Martin in 2003 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The Vantage, which debuted in 2005 with little changes anticipated, brought back the traditional V8 engine to help Aston Martin compete in a wider market. The Gaydon facility, the first purpose-built factory in Aston Martin’s history, debuted in 2003 as well. A 35,000 square meter (380,000 square foot) production building and an 8,000 square meter (86,000 square foot) front building for offices, meeting spaces, and client reception make up the facility’s 22 hectare (55-acre) location. [9] [62] The DB9 coup, which succeeded the ten-year-old DB7, was also unveiled in 2003. At the 2004 Detroit car show, the DB9 Volante, a convertible variant of the DB9, made its debut. [63]
The dedicated 12,500 square meter (135,000 square foot) Aston Martin Engine Facility (AMEP) was established by Aston Martin in the Ford GermanyNiehl, Cologne plant in October 2004. The assembly of each unit was delegated to a single technician from a pool of 30, with V8 and V12 variants assembled in under 20 hours, similar to traditional Aston Martin engine production from Newport Pagnell, which has the capacity to produce up to 5,000 engines a year by 100 specially trained personnel. The idea was that Aston Martin will be able to build limited batches of engines for higher performance variations by moving engine production back in-house. [64] [65] The entry-level V8 Vantage sports vehicle was able to join the DB9 and DB9 Volante in Gaydon factory production in 2006 thanks to this increased engine capacity. [66]
Aston Martin declared in December 2003 that it would make a comeback to racing in 2005. The DBR9 program’s design, development, and management were transferred to Prodrive and a newly formed entity known as Aston Martin Racing. The DBR9 competes in sports car competitions, such as the renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans, in the GT class. [67]
A 2006 internal audit prompted Ford to think about selling off some of its Premier Automotive Group. After considering the pros and cons of selling Jaguar, Land Rover, or Volvo, Ford declared in August 2006 that it has hired UBS AG to sell all or a portion of Aston Martin at auction. [68]
: Private Limited Company
For 475 million (US$848 million) on March 12, 2007, a group headed by Prodrive chairman David Richards acquired Aston Martin. [69] [70] The firm was made up of two Kuwaiti businesses, Investment Dar and Adeem Investment, as well as American investment banker John Sinders. [71] [72] Prodrive had no financial stake in the transaction. [73] Ford retained a 70 million dollar ($40 million) interest in Aston Martin. [74]
The first east-west crossing of the Asian Highway was made between June and August 2007 in order to show the V8 Vantage’s toughness in challenging terrain and advertise the vehicle in China. A pair of Britons traveled 12,089 kilometres (7,512 miles) by car from Tokyo to Istanbul before continuing their journey 3,259 km (2,025 miles) across the European road network to London. Aston Martin opened dealerships in Shanghai and Beijing within three months of the promotion’s success. [75]
A Vanquish S was the final vehicle produced at the Newport Pagnell facility since 1955 on July 19, 2007. The Aston Martin Works historic car section, which specializes in heritage sales, servicing, spare parts, and restoration activities, relocated to the Tickford Street factory after being renovated. [76] [77] The 22 hectare (55 acre) Gaydon plant, which is located on the old RAFV Bomberairbase, is now the primary location for UK production. [78] With the reassuring words, “The continuing growth and success of Aston Martin is based upon Gaydon as the focal point and heart of the business, with the design and engineering of all Aston Martin products continuing to be carried out there,” Aston Martin announced in March 2008 a partnership with Magna Steyr to outsource the manufacture of more than 2,000 cars each year to Graz, Austria. [79]
There are now 120 dealers across 28 nations, with additional dealers in Europe and the new pair in China.
[80] Aston Martin announced the rebirth of the Lagonda brand on September 1st, 2008, and suggested a concept car be unveiled in 2009 to commemorate the brand’s 100th birthday. The first vehicles for mass production were planned to be made in 2012. [81] Due to the economic downturn, Aston Martin announced in December 2008 that it would reduce its staff from 1,850 to 1,250. [82] [83]
2010 saw the release of the first four-door Rapide grand tourers from the Magna Steyr facility in Graz, Austria.
[84] To guarantee adherence to the rigorous standards of Aston Martin and other marques, like Mercedes-Benz, the contract manufacturer offers dedicated facilities. Dr. Ulrich Bez, the company’s former CEO, had openly discussed the possibility of outsourcing all but marketing-related aspects of Aston Martin’s business. [85] It was reported in September 2011 that Gaydon would once again serve as the company’s sole automotive manufacturing location in the second half of 2012. [86]
On December 6, 2012, Italian private equity firm Investindustrial agreed to pay 150 million as a capital increase to acquire a 37.5% share in Aston Martin.
[87]
[88][89]
[90] Aston Martin issued a press release on December 7, 2012, confirming this. [91] In 2013, David Richards departed Aston Martin and then came back to focus on Prodrive. [92]
It was announced in April 2013 that Dr. Ulrich Bez would step down from his position as the company’s chief executive officer to assume a more ambassadorial one.
[93] On September 2, 2014, Aston Martin made the announcement that it has chosen Andy Palmer, a Nissan executive, to be its new CEO[94], with Ulrich Bez continuing in his role as non-executive chairman. Sales had decreased since 2015, therefore Aston Martin introduced concept vehicles like the DBX SUV and track-focused vehicles like the Vulcan in an effort to attract new customers, particularly rich female shoppers. [95] [96] Palmer claims that the problems began when the DB9’s sales failed to produce enough funding for the development of next-generation models, which set off a chain reaction of diminishing sales and profitability. [97]
Palmer described the company’s six-year plan to revitalize the 100-year-old British brand and make it consistently profitable, which includes developing two new platforms, adding a crossover, updating its array of supercars, and utilizing its technological relationship with Daimler. He declared, “Seven times in the first century, we declared bankruptcy. Making sure that is not the case is the goal of the second century.” [97] The business invested 20 million ($33.4 million) to develop its Gaydon manufacturing facility in order to get ready for its upcoming line of sports vehicles. A new chassis and pilot build facility, an increase of the parts and logistics storage area, new offices, and other improvements are all part of the Gaydon plant development. Aston Martin will expand the plant by about 10,000 square meters (110,000 square feet) in total. [98] [99][100]
Aston Martin sold 3,500 vehicles in 2014, which is significantly less than the 7,300 vehicles sold in 2007 and the 4,200 vehicles sold in 2013, resulting in a pre-tax loss of 72 million, almost quadruple the amount of 2013.
[101] In addition to the 304 million senior secured notes at 9.25 percent issued in 2011, Aston Martin also issued “payment in kind” notes in the amount of US$165 million in March 2014 at 10.25 percent interest. [101] To finance the creation of new models, Aston Martin also needed to collect an additional 200 million from its shareholders. [101] Pre-tax losses for Aston Martin rose by 27% to 162.8 million in 2016, marking the company’s sixth consecutive year of losses, according to reports. [102]