Tesla
Tesla, founded in 2003, has been a leader in the electric car revolution, selling the most cars to date and making the most sales worldwide in 2020. The most popular model is the Tesla Model 3, with over 500,000 cars sold since its launch. The second most popular being the Tesla Model X, with over 800,000 cars sold. Not only have Tesla’s cars been popular but they have also been highly rated in terms of performance and efficiency. Voted the most reliable electric car in the world, Tesla’s cars have managed to win over the trust of the consumer.
Tesla has been successful at replicating their high-end technology across mass-market models, allowing them to appeal to a much wider consumer base while still capturing high profits. This has been the major mid-term success of Tesla, as they have been able to capture a large part of the market without sacrificing their high-end product. This has allowed them to remain competitive with traditional car makers, a feat that many thought would be impossible.
Not only does Tesla push boundaries in the electric car market but they also push boundaries in autonomous driving. Tesla created their own Autopilot system that is designed to make driving a safer, easier and more efficient experience. This technology is critical in the development of self-driving vehicles.
Tesla’s continued success has been credited to their high quality product, innovative technology and dedicated focus to sustainability. Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, has had a huge influence on the company’s success with his unique vision and ambition pushing the company to the forefront. Tesla’s success has also been attributed to its focus on “vertical integration”, meaning that rather than outsourcing tasks the company keeps them in-house. This has allowed Tesla to remain competitive in the market and not be at the mercy of outside parties.
Toyota
Toyota is an old-guard Japanese automotive company, now one of the largest global car brands. They have been selling cars for over 50 years and have held the title of the world’s largest seller of cars for the past 13 years. This is no small feat, especially considering the fact that the global car market is a highly competitive one. Toyota keep their place in sales by having a wide array of models for any budget, from compact city cars to large pick-up trucks.
In 2020, Toyota sold more than 10 million cars. This is mainly thanks to their reliable products and the fact that they are never far from a petrol station or car maintenance shop. Their wide array of models makes them accessible to almost any budget, as they offer low-cost options that can still be quite reliable such as the Yaris or mid-range options with more advanced features such as the Corolla.
Toyota’s success also lies in its ability to innovate rapidly. While their cars are seen as reliable and consistent, Toyota has also been able to continuously evolve with new technologies and features. From hybrid powertrains to advanced safety options, Toyota has managed to maintain relevance in the ever-changing car industry.
Lastly, much of Toyota’s success has been attributed to its world-famous service. Toyota has an extensive network of car servicing centers spread across the globe. This allows customers to get their vehicles serviced no matter where they are, which builds a sense of trust and reliability.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen, founded in 1937, is another one of the “big three” car companies that has been selling the most cars for decades. This number has steadily been increasing, with the car maker selling over 10 million cars worldwide in 2020 alone. Volkswagen currently holds the highest market share in the passenger car market in Europe, with nearly a quarter of the market.
Volkswagen is well known for its vast engineering capabilities, allowing them to continually develop both affordable and high-end cars. From the Golf to the Passat, Volkswagen is able to cater to a wide range of car buyers from all levels of the market. This has allowed them to capture a large market share and meet the needs of the numerous car buyers that flock to their showrooms.
Volkswagen has also shown its willingness to embrace technology, as recently shown in their move to electric cars. From their very successful e-Golf to the soon to be released ID series, Volkswagen are showing their ambition to move away from fossil fuels and become a leader in the electric car market.
Lastly, Volkswagen has been able to stay successful due in part to its global presence, with factories and showrooms spread across the world allowing them to easily capture any new market that emerges. For example, Volkswagen has recently developed strong partnerships in India, as well as Mexico and South America.
Ford
Ford, founded in 1903, is another one of the three giant car brands that has been selling the most cars for decades. Ford has a long history of success, first with the iconic Model T and then with the Mustang and F-150 pick-up truck, amongst others. In 2020, Ford sold over 8 million cars worldwide and is now the second largest carmaker in the global market.
Ford has been able to stay relevant despite the ever-changing car industry by focusing on specific niches. This has worked in Ford’s favour as they have never been too exposed to the automotive industry’s highs and lows. One of Ford’s strongest niches is the pick-up truck, where they have produced some of the most iconic models throughout the past couple of decades.
Ford has also heavily invested in electric cars. The Ford Mustang Mach-E has been extremely successful and has been praised for its performance and range. Ford has also been able to stay competitive in the SUV and big car markets, as they have recently released the Mustang Mach-E SUV, building on the success of the Mustang Mach-E.
Lastly, Ford is well known for its reliability, trustworthy service and the customer service it provides, which has been a tremendous help in keeping their sales high. Ford has also teamed up with well-known companies such as Amazon and Spotify to offer customer-centric services. These collaborations keep Ford at the forefront of the automotive industry.
Honda
Honda, founded in 1948, is the third of the “big three” car companies. Honda has experienced a surge in their sales in recent years, mainly due to their increased focus on fuel efficiency and lightweight materials. In 2020, Honda sold over 5 million cars worldwide, with the best-selling model being the Honda CR-V.
Honda has also incorporated newer technologies into their models. This includes advanced safety features such as lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. Honda’s hybrid technology has also been widely praised, with their hybrid models boasting the best fuel efficiency levels amongst the competition. This has been instrumental in Honda’s success.
On a more global level, Honda has been able to stay competitive due in part to its strategic partnerships with companies around the world. In Europe, Honda has signed agreements with Fiat and Subaru, allowing them to develop new models with the latest technologies. Furthermore, Honda recently signed a partnership with Toyota, allowing them to access Toyota’s electric car technologies. This has approved Honda’s electric car range substantially.
Lastly, much of Honda’s success has been attributed to its focus on customer service. Honda has an extensive network of service centres spread around the world, allowing customers to get their cars serviced no matter where they are. This, combined with their advanced technologies, have all been instrumental in Honda’s recent success.
Hyundai
Hyundai is a South Korean automotive company that has been in the car industry for over 60 years. Despite its relative youth in comparison to other car-making giants such as Toyota and Ford, Hyundai has managed to make a name for itself in the industry. In 2020, Hyundai sold over 4 million cars worldwide, surpassing Honda and almost catching up with Ford in the sales race. The most popular Hyundai model is the Kona SUV.
Hyundai has achieved this success in a variety of ways. For starters, they have focused on value and providing car buyers with the best bang for their buck. This includes offering car buyers features such as standard or optional features, making their cars attractive to buyers on a budget. On top of that, Hyundai has also developed a strong international presence, with showrooms and factories located in many parts of the world.
Hyundai’s success has also been attributed to their focus on innovation and technology. The brand has launched several advanced models such as the Nexo, a fully electric SUV, and the Sonata, a plug-in hybrid sedan. Hyundai has also invested heavily in autonomous and semi-autonomous driving technologies, allowing them to be at the forefront of the industry.
Additionally, Hyundai’s customer service has been praised by car owners. Hyundai offers a wide range of services, from repairs and maintenance to an extended warranty and roadside assistance. This is especially appreciated in countries such as Brazil where infrastructure is limited. Hyundai’s ability to provide customer service and affordable options have both been instrumental in its success.
Nissan
Nissan is a Japanese automotive company that has been producing cars since 1933. The company has come a long way in the past 87 years, managing to remain relevant in an ever-changing market and succeeding at competing with larger brands. In 2020, Nissan sold over 3 million cars worldwide and managed to place in the top 5 of the most sold car brands.
So what has enabled Nissan to remain competitive in the face of some of the most established names in the market? Well, part of Nissan’s success has been due to its commitment to safety. Nissan has invested heavily in safety technologies, such as their ProPILOT suite which provides lane keeping and automated braking. This has allowed them to remain competitive, as safety has become an attractive feature even in low-budget options.
Nissan has also focused heavily on research and development, allowing them to develop new models with the latest technologies. This includes the all-electric Leaf, which has sold over 500,000 units since its launch, making it one of the best-selling electric cars of all time. This has allowed Nissan to remain competitive in the electric car market, where large companies such as Tesla and Renault have managed to take most of the market share.
Lastly, Nissan has invested heavily in customer service, satellite centers, customer relations, and customer programs. This has allowed them to differentiate themselves from their competitors and build a loyal customer base. Nissan’s commitment to customer service has been a key factor in their success.
